Barcelona team news: Predicted Barcelona line up vs Espanyol – Coutinho to make debut
PHILIPPE COUTINHO could be in line to make his Barcelona debut in their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Espanyol.
Ernesto Valverde’s side trail 1-0 after Oscar Melendo’s late strike in the first leg, and the Barcelona manager is likely to field a strong line-up in order to engineer a comeback.
Coutinho has been struggling with a hamstring problem since his £142million move from Liverpool earlier this month.
However, the Brazilian playmaker has returned to training and may be pressed into service as Barcelona struggle with mounting absences.
Ousmane Dembele is ruled out with a hamstring problem while Andres Iniesta, Paco Alcacer and Thomas Vermaelen are all carrying knocks.
Samuel Umtiti, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury of his own since the start of December, could feature after replacing Vermaelen against Real Betis.
Meanwhile, Jasper Cillessen is likely to continue in goal while Rafinha may be given the nod at right-back having made his return from injury in the first leg.
Take a look through the gallery above to see who could start for Barcelona in their Copa del Rey quarter-final clash with Espanyol.