Barcelona record signing Coutinho out injured
Barcelona had seen their lead over nearest challengers Atletico Madrid reduced to six points on Saturday but restored the gap to nine after Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Paulinho scored in a routine win over Levante.
Messi was back in the starting line-up after missing the King’s Cup draw with Celta Vigo on Thursday and marked his 400th game in La Liga by opening the scoring in the 12th minute, volleying Jordi Alba’s cushioned header into the net.
Suarez struck his fifth goal in four games running by controlling a cross from Sergi Roberto and slamming the ball high into the net in the 38th minute.
Brazilian international Paulinho added an extra shine to the win by tapping in as the game drew to a close.
“We wanted to continue our run of wins and although we were favourites we knew Levante were a strong side that hadn’t lost away from home in the league since September,” said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde. BARCELONA: Barcelona’s record signing Philippe Coutinho will not be able to make his debut for the club for about three weeks because of a thigh injury he sustained while at Liverpool.
The Brazilian playmaker passed a medical on Monday during which Barcelona doctors analysed the injury that kept him out of Liverpool’s win over Burnley on January 1.
“Coutinho has an injury in his right thigh. He will be out for 20 days,” Barcelona said in a statement, meaning he is likely to make his debut against Espanyol on February 4.
Barcelona agreed a 142 million-pound ($192 million) deal with Liverpool on Saturday to buy Coutinho, who became their record signing.
The Brazilian was presented to more than 7,000 fans at the Nou Camp and said it was a dream for him to play for his new club.
“I am really happy, it’s a dream and of course I am here thanks to many people,” said Coutinho.
“Firstly, God, my family, they are with me through every moment. The effort of Barcelona.
“I am grateful to Liverpool for the five years I spent there. The directors understood it was my dream, they would have liked me to stay but it was my dream to come here and they understood.”