Brazil’s Philippe Coutinho in doubt for FIFA World Cup after sustaining muscle injury vs Manchester United

FIFA World Cup: Brazil’s attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho World Cup participation is in doubt after the player picked up a muscle injury against Manchester United.

Philippe Coutinho might be ruled out of FIFA World Cup in Qatar. (Courtesy: Reuters)

By India Today Web Desk: It was not all smiles for Aston Villa after they defeated Manchester United 3-1 in the Premier League on Sunday, 6 November. Villa star Philippe Coutinho was confirmed to sustain a muscle injury and is expected to be ruled out for the next two fixtures for the club. Manager Unai Emery said that Coutinho could be out for longer due to a quadriceps injury, casting doubt on the Brazilian’s availability for the World Cup.

The Brazilian playmaker moved to on a full time basis to Aston Villa this season after his failed spell at FC Barcelona, where he won one Champions League title, but on loan with Bayern Munich. The right footed playmaker made his name in the Premier League playing for Liverpool, where fans often compared him to Lionel Messi for his stature, footwoork and skill on the ball.

Coutinho, 30, sealed a permanent switch to Villa from Barcelona in the close season following a successful loan spell but the playmaker has not scored or provided an assist in 12 league matches.

He was absent from Sunday’s 3-1 Premier League victory over Manchester United and will miss Thursday’s trip to Old Trafford to face United again in the League Cup and Sunday’s visit to Brighton & Hove Albion in the league.

Emery confirmed Coutinho was sidelined due to a quad issue.

“I don’t know how long it’ll be but, today (Sunday), he couldn’t play and he’s not going to play until after the (World Cup) break,” he told the Birmingham Mail.

“He’s not going to play on Thursday or Sunday because he’s injured and he’s out longer.”

Brazil head coach Tite is set to announce his 26-man squad for the Nov. 20 to Dec. 18 World Cup in Qatar later on Monday.

Coutinho made his debut for Brazil in 2010 and has earned more than 60 caps but his disappointing form this season has led to doubts about his place in the squad.