PHILIPPE COUTINHO may have played his last game for Bayern Munich after he was ruled out for the rest of the Bundesliga season with an ankle injury.
Germany’s top flight is set to become the first division in European football to return following a two-month coronavirus lockdown.
Philippe Coutinho is expected to miss the rest of Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga games through injuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Bundesliga champions Bayern travel to Union Berlin in a behind-closed-doors clash on Sunday but Coutinho will not be in the squad.
The Brazilian playmaker has undergone surgery on his right ankle and is set to be out for a month and a half after suffering a setback.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Coutinho now faces a fight to be fit for Bayern’s last league game.
The 27-year-old could be back for any Champions League fixtures that UEFA reschedules to be played during August.
But the injury is a blow to the former Liverpool star’s chances of turning his Bayern loan into a permanent one this summer.
Coutinho’s teammate Thiago Alcantara recently made a public plea for the Bavarians to meet the Brazil International’s £100milliom price tag.
He told Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia: “I know him well, he’s very good. I’ve seen him play since he was 12 years old.
“I played against him in Brazil at football sala and I loved him.
“He lacks nothing. I like to play with players at a top level and he’s a phenomenon. He’s a great guy, really hard working, with unbeatable technique and incredible finishing.
“Players go through good moments and some not so good ones and he brings us a lot. We hope he’s here next season too.”
Despite failing to live up to expectations at the Nou Camp, the 27-year-old has a number of clubs queuing up for his signature.
Chelsea look the firm favourites to sign him after Liverpool rejected the chance to resign him over the phone.
Brazil legend Rivaldo has insisted Coutinho can get back to his best by leaving Barcelona for Chelsea this summer.
But Arsenal have also been heavily linked to the midfielder, who has racked up nine goals and eight assists this season.
While Mauricio Pochettino reportedly earmarked Coutinho as a statement signing should he take over at Newcastle following the Magpies’ hotly-anticipated £300m takeover.
Chelsea ‘close’ to sealing Philippe Coutinho transfer as agreement grows near with Barcelona amid interest from Arsenal
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
