Douglas Costa has expressed his delight at returning to the Brazil squad after being forced to withdraw from a number of recent call-ups through injury.
The Bayern Munich forward was forced out of this year’s Copa America and Olympic Games with
muscle problems, which also kept him out of two previous squads since coach Tite’s June
appointment.
He returns ahead of this week’s Superclasico showdown with Argentina in World Cup qualifying and
is now desperate to force his way back into a settled side under the new boss.
“To be called up by Tite at this time is very important,” he told reporters in Belo Horizonte following
Monday’s training session.
“I am currently getting back to form after having suffered several injuries, so think this is the right moment to get back and fight for place in the team.”
Sitting top of Conmebol World Cup qualifying after four successive victories since Tite’s arrival, the
Selecao come into the game as favourites with Argentina languishing outside South America’s
qualifying places for Russia 2018 following a return of just two points from their last three matches.
But Douglas Costa believes the ‘hermanos’ will pose a significant danger, regardless of their recent
downturn.
"Everyone knows this is a Superclassico, and form is not important ahead when it comes to the
Superclasico,” he said.
“Argentina deserve respect, it's going to be a great game regardless of where they stand right now.
"I think that we have to impose our rhythm on the game, to play the football that we have been
playing. That is the most important thing for us, without thinking how Argentina have been suffering
or how they could will suffer here.”
Douglas Costa has not appeard for Brazil since March and faces a battle to win a place back in the
starting line-up, with Willian, Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho all ahead of him in the
fight for Brazil’s three forward roles.
Brazil meet Argentina in Belo Horizonte on Thursday before heading to Lima to face Peru on
Tuesday.
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