Brazil have named both United’s Anderson and Man City’s new signing, Jo, in their squad for the Beijing Olympics. They join Ronaldinho and Robinho in a very strong looking lineup. Both will now miss the start of the season along with Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva who is also included for Brazil.
Liverpool will also lose Mascherano who has been called up to the Argentinian squad. Elsewhere, West Brom’s Kim Do-Heon has been omitted by South Korea and Blackburn’s Ryan Nelson will play a part but will return for Rovers’ opening Premiership fixture – if a little jet-lagged.
The tournament is due to end on August 23 so all players involved should be available for Premiership action for the third fixtures of the season on August 30.