‘Last great opportunity’ for Barcelona player to win over people, may not even get that

Having arrived from Liverpool in January 2018, Philippe Coutinho is currently not at his best at Barcelona.

After having a good start to the season, the Brazil international lost his place in the starting lineup to Ousmane Dembele and when the World Cup winner was sidelined in January and February, the former returned to the starting XI.

The Frenchman suffered a hamstring strain and could miss the crucial Champions League clash against Lyon at Camp Nou.

Today’s edition of Sport claims the former Premier League star could start against Lyon in the European tie on Wednesday as Dembele’s injury has opened a door for the South American to return..

This fixture could be the ‘last great opportunity’ for Coutinho to win people over as there are many who are critical of his performances in recent times. A number of them want Barcelona to sell him in the summer, if they receive an ‘interesting offer’.

Against Lyon, the 26-year-old is expected to play the former Reds man in an attacking position, but if Ernesto Valverde decides to start Malcom, then Coutinho could play in midfield or may even drop to the bench. 

The pressure on the Blaugrana’s record signing is growing and with his current situation being delicate, everything depends on the player to overcome it as the patience is decreasing at Barcelona.