Philippe Coutinho trains with Barcelona team-mates for first time as they prepare for Real Betis clash

  • Philippe Coutinho trained for the first time with his Barcelona team-mates
  • Following his move, he had been training alone to continue his injury recovery
  • He joined his team-mates on Saturday for a session ahead of Real Betis clash 
  • Coutinho could make his debut in the game against Espanyol on February 4

Philippe Coutinho trained for the first time with his Barcelona team-mates on Saturday.

Following his £145million move, Coutinho had been training alone to continue his recovery from a thigh injury after being ruled out for three weeks. 

But he joined up with his team-mates for a session on Saturday as they prepared for their league match against Real Betis on Sunday.

Philippe Coutinho (centre) with team mates Yerry Mina (second right) and Brazilian Paulinho

Philippe Coutinho (centre) with team mates Yerry Mina (second right) and Brazilian Paulinho

Lionel Messi (left) chats with team-mate Gerard Pique during a training session on Saturday

Lionel Messi (left) chats with team-mate Gerard Pique during a training session on Saturday

Coutinho was pictured next to fellow Brazilian Paulinho as well as other new signing Yerry Mina. 


Coutinho could make his debut in the Catalan derby against Espanyol - the club he played at on loan from Espanyol in 2012 - on February 4.

The Brazilian midfielder described his move - the second most expensive in football history - as a 'dream come true' as he was officially unveiled at the Nou Camp. 

In signing for Barca, Coutinho became the second most expensive player in football history

In signing for Barca, Coutinho became the second most expensive player in football history

Speaking at the official unveiling of Coutinho, club president Josep Maria Bartomeu said: 'All Barcelona fans around the world are pleased to meet the new Barcelona player Philippe Coutinho.

'We wanted him last summer, we have been working for weeks and months on this deal but one of the most important aspects was that he wanted to come he.

'He was patient and that was a determining factor in bringing him here. I am delighted to announce the signing of one of the stars of world football.' 

Barcelona are currently eight points clear at the top of La Liga and will be looking to extend that lead against ninth-placed Betis.

Coutinho is desperate to make his debut for Barcelona after moving from Liverpool for £145m 

Coutinho is desperate to make his debut for Barcelona after moving from Liverpool for £145m