BRAZIL’S TEAM DOCTOR has cleared Philippe Coutinho to line out for Seleção in their World Cup qualifier at home to Ecuador on Thursday night.
The Brazilian attacker hasn’t featured for Liverpool this season due to what Jurgen Klopp has explained to be a ‘back injury,’ and Dr. Michael Simoni, the medical director of Fluminense who has also treated Coutinho for injuries while not on Brazil duty, has confirmed that the 25-year-old is indeed suffering back pain, attributing it to stress.
Coutinho visited Simoni on arrival in Brazil earlier today, and the doctor told sports publication UOL that Coutinho is ‘freed’ to represent his country this week:
It’s an emotional issue, it’s stress, it’s all about pressure and uncertainty about the future, something normal, but clinically, it’s freed – you can get in the selection, train, play.
Coutinho has been the subject of three rejected bids from Barcelona, with Liverpool remaining adamant that he won’t be sold in the current transfer window.
Per UOL, he had informed Brazil’s coaching staff that he would consult with his former doctor before arriving in São Paulo at about 5pm local time today.
It’s expected that he’ll join the rest of Brazil’s squad for training at Gremio’s facilities tomorrow.
Subscribe to The42 podcasts here:
Individual players get between €300 and €900 per year depending on how far they progress. Your average player will probably get about €400 on this grant scheme. In fairness it takes some commitment to be an Intercounty player.