Advertisement
Philippe Coutinho (file pic). SIPA USA/PA Images
Ready to go

Philippe Coutinho set for Barcelona debut, handed Mascherano's number 14 shirt

The ex-Liverpool star has been named in the Catalan side’s squad for Thursday’s Copa del Rey clash against Espanyol.

Updated at 22.45

BRAZILIAN PLAYMAKER PHILIPPE Coutinho has been named in the Barcelona squad for Thursday’s Copa del Rey clash against Espanyol, his first call-up since his €160 million (£142 million) move from Liverpool.

Coutinho, who has been handed the number 14 shirt vacated by China-bound Javier Mascherano, had been sidelined by a thigh injury since his drawn-out transfer saga came to an end on January 6.

Coutinho has been cleared to make his debut at Camp Nou as Barcelona look to overturn a 1-0 defeat to Espanyol in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.

Coutinho spent six months with Barcelona’s city rivals on loan in 2012.

Club captain Andres Iniesta and striker Paco Alcacer were also included in the 19-man squad for Thursday’s game as was Colombian defender Yerry Mina, another transfer window recruit.

- (C) AFP 2018

The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):

‘It’s still fresh in the memory so we want to try and avenge that’>

Atletico Madrid conceded a brilliantly-worked team goal after just 24 seconds last night>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
12
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel