Murilo will spend the week recovering from an injury to his right shoulder
While Giba is still recovering from surgery to his left leg, Murilo has a problem in his right shoulder. “At this moment, our efforts are to have all the players in their best shape,” said Brazil coach Bernardo “Bernardinho” Rezende. “We have the London Olympic Games ahead of us and will take any necessary precautions to have them in good physical condition.”
In the absence of the two stars, youngsters Lucarelli, 20, Renan, 22, and Mauricio, 23, have a good chance to play in Toronto. “They played very well in the Superliga and can add some news things to our side,” said Bernardinho. “We have very high expectations of them regarding the 2016 Olympics, but they also have what it takes to fight for a place in the team right now. It has been very important for them to have the experience of practising with our group.”
Besides of the absence of Giba and Murilo, Brazil will also be lacking match practice at the start of the World League. “We had the whole group only for a couple of weeks and we did not have opportunities to play friendly matches, as Poland did,” said the Brazil coach. “Canada and Finland played for Olympic qualification and faced strong teams like as Cuba and Italy. But we will have to go through it.”
The Brazilian squad for the FIVB World League now comprises setters Bruno and Ricardo; opposites Leandro Vissotto, Theo, Wallace and Renan; middle-blockers Lucas, Sidao, Rodrigao and Eder; wing-spikers Giba, Murilo, Dante, Joao Paulo Bravo, Mauricio, Lucarelli and Thiago Alves; and liberos Sergio and Mario Junior.
