Barcelona: Coutinho out for three weeks with hamstring tear
The Brazilian midfielder, who has been in spectacular form, faces several weeks on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury to his left leg.
More bad news for Barcelona. Following yesterday's 1-3 defeat in El Clásico, it was confirmed this afternoon that Philippe Coutinho faces several weeks on the sidelines after suffering a muscle injury during the game. Tests conducted this morning revealed an injury to the player's left hamstring. As usual, the club issued a very brief, two-line medical report which gave no detailed information about the nature of Coutinho's injury or how long he is expected to be out for but Diario AS understands that the initial prognosis is around three weeks.
Coutinho could return for the Atleti game
If that is the case, then Coutinho will miss a minimum of four games - Barcelona's upcoming matches against Juventus, Alavés, Dynamo Kiev and Betis. However, after the Betis game there is an international break which would give Coutinho extra time to recover ahead of the league meeting with Atlético Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano on 21 November.
All injuries are setbacks but more so in Coutinho's case as he faces time on the sidelines just when he was finding his place in the team where he has been having a great impact.
It means that Koeman will be without two of his key players for Wednesday's Champions League Matchday 2 meeting with Juventus. The coach will be without Gerard Piqué, who misses the game through suspension after being sent off in the first group stage game against Ferencvaros.