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AFP quoted a Barcelona club source as saying, Coutinho had undergone surgery on his left knee and will have to sit for about 3 months. The 28-year-old Brazilian star requested surgery for a torn meniscus after limping off the field at the end of a 1-1 draw at home with Eibar in La Liga midweek.
Messi is likely to say goodbye to Barcelona at the end of this season |
This draw placed Ronald Koeman’s coach’s army in sixth place in La Liga, 11 points behind the leading team, Real Madrid, after 17 rounds (Barcelona kicked less than 2 games).
Coutinho, who came to Barcelona three years ago from Liverpool but was on loan to Bayern Munich last season, joined Koeman’s list of long-term absences, following young talent Ansu Fati and veteran midfielder Gerard Piqué, they are all sidelined due to knee injuries.
According to the Spanish press, Coutinho’s absence is a great loss for Camp Nou at the moment because Messi (who was absent in the game against Eibar) is still recovering from injury. Furthermore, Coutinho is considered to be one of the factors in preparing Messi’s departure this summer.
Veteran midfielder Piqué was previously injured and had a long-term absence |
With the contract still valid until June 30, Messi can now freely negotiate with another team in the transfer window this winter. Messi’s ability to leave is soaring when the 33-year-old Argentine superstar recently completed the purchase of an apartment in Miami (USA), and publicly wishes to play soccer and live in this country.
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