Coutinho could make Barca debut in Copa del Rey clash

Barcelona coach, Ernesto Valverde, has included Philippe Coutinho in his squad for Thursday’s Copa del Rey game against Espanyol at Camp Nou.


Coutinho joined the LaLiga giants for a club record €160million earlier this month from Liverpool, but has not played yet because of a thigh injury.

However, the Brazilian returned to training last Saturday and was passed fit by the club’s medical staff.

Coutinho has already been handed the no. 14 shirt, that was worn by the departing Javier Mascherano.

Yerry Mina is also in line to make his first appearance for the club, after joining from Palmeiras for €11.8m this month.

In more good news for Valverde, Andres Iniesta and Paco Alcacer both return from injuries, too.