Brazilian offensive midfielder Philippe Coutinho recovered from a muscle injury and resumed training with FC Barcelona on Tuesday, the club said, just days away from Atlético Madrid on Saturday in the Spanish league.
"Coutinho is part of the group in training," the Catalan club said on its website. Coutinho made his return among the players available from Barça, who trained on Tuesday after a few free days granted by coach Ernesto Valverde because of the international truce.
Coutinho joins the group of Miranda and Riqui Puig from @FCBarcelonaB.
# ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/d0H6VHVZBh
The former Liverpool player suffered a small tear in the left thigh's femoral biceps, suffered in the Champions League match against Inter Milan on November 6 (1-1). Barça had estimated its unavailability at two to three weeks.
According to the Spanish press, unless setbacks, Coutinho could receive the green light on Friday, and would be available to play the shock of Saturday against Atlético Madrid for the 13th day of Liga. This return, if it is confirmed, would widen Valverde's options in the midfield while the Croatian Ivan Rakitic is injured and suspended.
With 24 points, Barça leads the race in the Liga but has only one step ahead of Sevilla, Atlético Madrid and Alavés.