Report: Aston Villa to block Brazilian FA from calling up Douglas Luiz

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Aston Villa will reportedly reject the Brazilian FA’s move to call up Douglas Luiz for international duty next year.

The £15 million summer signing from Manchester City has been named as part of the U23s squad which is set to partake in a pre-Olympic tournament which runs from January 18 to February 19.

According to The Telegraph, Villa officials are set to deny Luiz the chance to play, as it would mean him missing crucial Premier League fixtures against Brighton, Watford, Bournemouth and Tottenham, and the second leg of the Carabao Cup clash with Leicester City.

Villa are set to scrap for their survival this season, and Dean Smith needs to be able to call on all members of his squad.

So far, Luiz has made 18 appearances for the club, catching the eye in central midfield alongside the likes of John McGinn and Marvelous Nakamba.

TBR’s view – Villa right to stand firm

Villa are absolutely right to block Luiz from featuring in the pre-Olympic tournament.

There is surely no need for him to be going off to such an event, when playing in the Premier League against some of the world’s top players is surely all the preparation he needs for next year’s Olympics.

Luiz has made a bright start to life at Villa Park and has the potential to be a really important player in the club’s bid for survival.