Mid-week Barca debut whim hits Coutinho


FE Team | Published: January 22, 2018 21:49:46 | Updated: January 23, 2018 16:20:26


Mid-week Barca debut whim hits Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho could make his Barcelona debut against former club Espanyol in next week's Copa del Rey second leg at the Nou Camp.

Espanyol hold a surprise 1-0 lead from Wednesday's first leg, according to Sky Sports.

The Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde, however, is hesitant to ink in the 25-year-old's name for Thursday's return fixture.

"I'm reluctant to put an exact date on a start for Coutinho, but the progress of the injury is very positive," Valverde said in quotes published on AS.

"He had a small muscular problem in his quadriceps which is a particularly sensitive zone when striking the ball with power, but I hope he's soon with us.

"Thursday is possible and I hope that today (Sunday) he can train with the rest of the squad."

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