Philippe Coutinho's back injury was down to 'stress', says Liverpool star's doctor friend: 'He's a bit anxious about the possibility of changing club'

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The injury which caused Philippe Coutinho to miss the start of the season was caused by 'stress', according to a Brazilian doctor.

Coutinho has not played for Liverpool yet this term, amid intense interest in him from Barcelona, with the club citing a back problem as the reason.

However, the forward is expected to feature for Brazil against Ecuador this week, trained with the Selecao in Porto Alegre on Monday and, according to medical professional Michael Simoni, was simply suffering from an 'emotional' issue manifesting itself as back pain.

Philippe Coutinho (right) joins in Brazil training with Neymar in Porto Alegre on Monday

Coutinho has not played for Liverpool this season but could face Ecuador on Thursday

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar was also among the Brazil stars in training

'Coutinho back problem? He is okay now. The back problem was a matter of stress, it was something emotional,' Simoni told Esporte after assessing Coutinho for half an hour in Rio on Monday.

'The uncertainty about his future led him to feeling stressed. Everything is solved now.

'Coutinho and I are friends since years, I always treat his medical cases. All he needed was someone to give him a pep talk.'

Simoni, who is the medical director at Fluminese, is the player's former personal doctor and he told ESPN Brazil that the pair discussed Coutinho's future, as Barcelona continue to up their bids for the 25-year-old.

Neymar and his Brazil team-mates warm up for their World Cup qualifying match

Filipe Luis (left) keeps a watchful eye as Dani Alves goes to ground during the session

Thiago Silva (left), Marquinhos (centre) and Neymar at the Gremio team training centre

Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar does not look impressed as he stretches off

'He's a bit anxious about the possibility of changing club,' said Simoni. 'Of course we talked about this possible transfer, about the things that are in his heart right now.

'His back pains, in my opinion, are explained by this anxiety. Muscular tension normally does that.'

Barca's most recent offer for Coutinho, who handed in a transfer request to Anfield chiefs earlier this summer, came in at a whopping £114million but it was rejected by the Reds.

However, Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernandez told Sportsmail on Monday that the club still hope to get at least one high-profile deal done before this week's transfer deadline. 

Paulinho of Barcelona embraces Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus

Paulinho and Renato Augusto take part in the training session in Porto Alegre

'We are negotiating with a player with the possibility that he can arrive. We hope it ends well. We hope to be able to present a new player,' he said.

'One could arrive or two could arrive. We are negotiating. My intention is that another player arrives and if possible two.'    

The situation could become further complicated by the fact that Brazil's clash with Ecuador in Gremio takes place on transfer deadline day this Thursday. 

Brazil's national head coach Tite watches over the training session on Monday