Could Coutinho play again for Barcelona this season?
Bayern Munich will not take up the option to buy the Brazilian player, but could he play for Barcelona before the 2019-20 season finishes?
The return to the Bundesliga has not helped Philippe Coutinho show off his quality for the club. The Brazilian, injured, is still trying to get back fit after his ankle operation.
In that time, Bayern made public that they would not activate the purchase option on the footballer. He must, therefore, return to Barcelona on 30th June.
It should not be a problem for the Bavarian team because the Bundesliga will end before that date, but it would not be good ahead of a possible German Cup final and the Champions League. The European competition is not due to resume until August.
If Bayern cannot get his loan deal extended, he will return to Barcelona on 30th June. The Catalans have got spare places in their squad.
Although Coutinho could not play in the Champions League without special permission from UEFA, he could well play in La Liga.
It remains to be seen whether Quique Setien wishes to count on him and gives him another opportunity or whether Coutinho will not play for Barcelona again this season. That could accelerate his departure from the club.