Philippe Coutinho ruled out for three weeks after sealing Barcelona move
:focal(136x152:138x150)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2015/11/13/1731704-36632322-310-310.png)
Updated 08/01/2018 at 16:05 GMT
Philippe Coutinho was officially unveiled as a Barcelona player on Monday – but the £142 million announcement was accompanied with the news the Brazilian would be missing for three weeks through injury.
Philippe Coutinho
Image credit: Getty Images
The 25-year-old had suspiciously missed Liverpool’s last two matches with a thigh problem, prompting claims that he was close to move to the Camp Nou.
But while that deal eventually unfolded, the Catalan giants revealed that Coutinho is set to start his spell on the sidelines.
"Coutinho has an injury in his right thigh. He will be out for 20 days," Barcelona said in a statement.
It means Coutinho is likely to make his debut in the Catalan derby against Espanyol on February 4.
The Brazilian was presented to more than 7,000 fans at the Nou Camp and later told reporters that it was a dream for him to play for his new club.
"I am really happy, it's a dream and of course I am here thanks to many people," said Coutinho.
"Firstly God, my family, my parents, my partner, my daughter, they are with me through every moment. The effort of Barcelona, the president, the directors.
"I am also grateful to Liverpool for the five years I spent there. The directors understood it was my dream, they would have liked me to stay but it was my dream to come here and they understood.
"They were men of their word, and the (Liverpool) fans, we had good moments together. I am happy to arrive here at my new home."
Coutinho's debut will have to wait because of his injury, but the player is anxious to make an impact at his new home.
"Many, many times, I have dreamed of scoring my first goal, important goals," added Coutinho.
"I've dreamed of playing here many times. My job is to work hard to be available."
With additional reporting from Reuters
Scan me
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement