Barcelona’s record January arrival Philippe Coutinho has trained for the first time with Barcelona teammates on Saturday and even could make his debut on Thursday, according to manager Ernesto Valverde.
Barca landed Coutinho from Liverpool earlier this month for €160 million after failing to reach an agreement with the Reds during the summer.
Coutinho, 25, will not be available for Sunday’s league trip to Real Betis but could come into contention for Thursday’s Copa del Rey quarterfinal second leg against Espanyol at the Camp Nou.



Failing that, he should be available for the league game against Alaves the following Sunday after being out injured since switching from Anfield two weeks ago.
“I am reluctant to put an exact date on when injured players will return, but the evolution from the injury has been very positive,” Valverde told a news conference.
“It was a minor thigh problem, but it’s a sensitive area when you’re striking the ball, so you have to be careful with it in that regard. But he’s doing well.”



Pressed on when Coutinho could make his debut, Valverde added: “I don’t know if he will be back next week, but we hope that he will be back soon. Thursday [against Espanyol] is possible.” 




Barcelona’s record January arrival Philippe Coutinho has trained for the first time with Barcelona teammates on Saturday and even could make his debut on Thursday, according to manager Ernesto Valverde.
Barca landed Coutinho from Liverpool earlier this month for €160 million after failing to reach an agreement with the Reds during the summer.
Coutinho, 25, will not be available for Sunday’s league trip to Real Betis but could come into contention for Thursday’s Copa del Rey quarterfinal second leg against Espanyol at the Camp Nou.



Failing that, he should be available for the league game against Alaves the following Sunday after being out injured since switching from Anfield two weeks ago.
“I am reluctant to put an exact date on when injured players will return, but the evolution from the injury has been very positive,” Valverde told a news conference.
“It was a minor thigh problem, but it’s a sensitive area when you’re striking the ball, so you have to be careful with it in that regard. But he’s doing well.”



Pressed on when Coutinho could make his debut, Valverde added: “I don’t know if he will be back next week, but we hope that he will be back soon. Thursday [against Espanyol] is possible.”