The game against Eibar was another setback for Barcelona in this League but, in addition to the two points that were lost to reengage with LaLiga, Koeman lost Coutinho. The Brazilian remained lying on the grass due to knee discomfort and sounded the alarms. After undergoing tests, the worst prognoses were confirmed: you will have to undergo surgery to heal the torn meniscus.
The injury was obviously regretted at the Camp Nou, but also at Anfield. After the operation, Dr. José Gonzalez already confirmed in AS that he could have an estimated loss of four or five months, seriously compromising the season and one of the variables signed with both clubs at the time of the player's signing for Barcelona.
20 million euros at stake
In the agreement for the transfer of Coutinho from Merseyside to Barcelona, 120 million euros were signed in fixed and 40 in variables. Of these variables, some are fulfilled but there would be a goal worth 20 million euros, which is Coutinho's hundredth game as a Barça player. This seemed easy to reach for the Brazilian, who already has 90 games with the Barça shirt, but this injury complicates the matter. With a return scheduled for spring at best, the remaining games on the schedule are expected to be less than a dozen. In addition, the player would return from a long-term injury, which would mean that his incorporation was not necessarily immediate and would have a period of readjustment to the competition.
If he does not meet them this season, it seems difficult for Coutinho to reach a hundred games in Barcelona since the club has given the green light, even in the absence of a new president (they did it from the Management Board), to seek a new destination for the playmaker . It may no longer be in January but, in summer, he may not have yet completed those ten games that are left to make one last service to Liverpool from Barcelona.