Coutinho starts ball work as he steps up his recovery
The countdown to Philippe Coutinho's Barcelona debut has begun in earnest after the Brazilian stepped up his recovery from injury.
Barcelona have been inssued with a timely boost following their Copa del Rey disappointment against Espanyol during the week, with Philippe Coutinho closing in on a return to action.
The Brazilian has been training with the ball for the first time since joining the club, as revealed by Barca on their official website on Friday.
"Philippe Coutinho remains busy at FC Barcelona as he continues his recovery from a thigh injury. The Brazilian is now doing ball work on the training ground after working in the sand at the Ciutat Esportiva in his first few days as a blaugrana," the Catalan side wrote on their official website.
Barca's plan could be to allow the player to make his debut in the Copa del Rey last 16 second leg game against Espanyol at the Camp Nou on Thursday January 25, with Barca keen to deploy their new boy at the first chance they get.