Richarlison is at risk of missing he opening games of Everton’s season after the club gave him permission to play in the Olympics.
Rafa Benitez is braced to begin his Goodison reign without one of the squad’s most important players after Everton granted the 24-year-old forward his wish to compete in Japan.
Everton begin the season at home to Southampton on August 14 before trips to Leeds United and Brighton come before the end of the month.
Richarlison, who is currently representing Brazil at the Copa America, will now extend his season to, at least, the end of the month, without having any considerable rest.
But Brazil, who are in a group with Germany, Ivory Coast and Saudi Arabia, are targeting gold medal success with the final not taking place until August 7 - a week before the Premier League season starts.
Richarlison’s desire to play in the Olympics further complicates Benitez’s start to life at Everton but such was the £35m man’s determination to play at the tournament, the club decided to agree.
