Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho will undergo knee surgery after sustaining an injury during Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Eibar, the Spanish club said on Wednesday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/im-very-concerned-west-broms-sam-allardyce-calls-for-circuit-break-in-premier-league-353384" hreflang="en">West Brom's Sam Allardyce calls for 'circuit-break' in Premier League</a>

The 28-year-old midfielder was brought into the game during the second half of the match, however, he was seen limping off the pitch during the stoppage time.&nbsp;

"The tests carried out on the first team player Philippe Coutinho have shown that the midfielder has an injury to the lateral meniscus in his left knee," the club said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Treatment will necessitate arthroscopic surgery which will take place in the coming days."

The Catalan giant did not mention the timeframe of his return.&nbsp;

Coutinho joins the injury list of Gerard Pique, Ansu Fati and Sergi Roberto adding to woes to Barcelona's torrid season. The Spanish giant it sixth in the La Liga standings on 25 points from 15 games, seven behind leaders Atletico Madrid who have two games in hand.

Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho will undergo knee surgery after sustaining an injury during Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Eibar, the Spanish club said on Wednesday. ALSO READ: West Brom's Sam Allardyce calls for 'circuit-break' in Premier League The 28-year-old midfielder was brought into the game during the second half of the match, however, he was seen limping off the pitch during the stoppage time.

Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho will undergo knee surgery after sustaining an injury during Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Eibar, the Spanish club said on Wednesday. ALSO READ: West Brom's Sam Allardyce calls for 'circuit-break' in Premier League The 28-year-old midfielder was brought into the game during the second half of the match, however, he was seen limping off the pitch during the stoppage time. "The tests carried out on the first team player Philippe Coutinho have shown that the midfielder has an injury to the lateral meniscus in his left knee," the club said in a statement. "Treatment will necessitate arthroscopic surgery which will take place in the coming days." The Catalan giant did not mention the timeframe of his return. Coutinho joins the injury list of Gerard Pique, Ansu Fati and Sergi Roberto adding to woes to Barcelona's torrid season. The Spanish giant it sixth in the La Liga standings on 25 points from 15 games, seven behind leaders Atletico Madrid who have two games in hand.

Coutinho to undergo knee surgery after injury during Eibar clash

Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho has turned 26 on Tuesday and received an "eggy" birthday bash. The birthday boy was enjoying on the pitch on a bright sunny day when he was pranked by his waiting teammates.

He is currently training in Russia ahead of the World Cup with his teammates.

Brazil striker Neymar Jr pelted eggs on Coutinho's head and wished him "Happy Birthday" in the most hilarious way possible.

Watch how the video, how Philippe Coutinho celebrated his 26th birthday with teammates:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Happy 26th birthday to <a href="https://twitter.com/Phil_Coutinho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Phil_Coutinho</a>! ???? <a href="https://t.co/35L7nSlxHF">pic.twitter.com/35L7nSlxHF</a>
— Barça World (@oOBarcaWorldOo) <a href="https://twitter.com/oOBarcaWorldOo/status/1006530981325606914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
? Brazil ?? celebrates <a href="https://twitter.com/Phil_Coutinho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Phil_Coutinho</a> ‘s birthday by covering him in ?, ? and ? <a href="https://twitter.com/CBF_Futebol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CBF_Futebol</a> <a href="https://t.co/ta85SZybDt">pic.twitter.com/ta85SZybDt</a>
— 433 (@official433) <a href="https://twitter.com/official433/status/1006545509098586112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He was also targeted by Marcelo, Willian and Gabriel Jesus. They poured water also to blow up the celebration.

Brazil arrived in Russia on Sunday as they make their final preparations ahead of their opening World Cup match against Switzerland on Sunday.

Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho has turned 26 and received an "eggy" birthday bash

Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho has turned 26 on Tuesday and received an "eggy" birthday bash. The birthday boy was enjoying on the pitch on a bright sunny day when he was pranked by his waiting teammates. He is currently training in Russia ahead of the World Cup with his teammates. Brazil striker Neymar Jr pelted eggs on Coutinho's head and wished him "Happy Birthday" in the most hilarious way possible. Watch how the video, how Philippe Coutinho celebrated his 26th birthday with teammates: Happy 26th birthday to @Phil_Coutinho! ???? pic.twitter.com/35L7nSlxHF — Barça World (@oOBarcaWorldOo) June 12, 2018 × ? Brazil ?? celebrates @Phil_Coutinho ‘s birthday by covering him in ?, ? and ? @CBF_Futebol pic.twitter.com/ta85SZybDt — 433 (@official433) June 12, 2018 × He was also targeted by Marcelo, Willian and Gabriel Jesus. They poured water also to blow up the celebration. Brazil arrived in Russia on Sunday as they make their final preparations ahead of their opening World Cup match against Switzerland on Sunday.

Watch: Neymar's prank on Philippe Coutinho as he turns 26

Neymar on Sunday started and led Brazil to a 3-0 win over Austria in the Seleçao's final pre-World Cup friendly. 
 
During the final test ahead of the tournament, which kicks off in Russia on June 14, Brazilian national team coach Tite relied on two defensive midfielders, Barcelona's Paulinho and Real Madrid's Casemiro, with Philippe Coutinho as playmaker. 
 
The Brazilian national team exerted its main pressure on the left side, as the duo of Neymar and Coutinho proved once again to be the key to the team's playmaking. 
 
Eight minutes into the game, Casemiro threatened goaltender Heinz Lindner by firing a powerful shot that went just slightly wide shortly before Neymar unsuccessfully tried his luck with a shot from long range. 
 
The hosts, however, reacted with David Alaba several times moving the ball in behind the Brazilian defense, which clearly displayed some weaknesses. 
 
Posing a danger for the first time, Austria's Alessandro Schopf collected a rebound ball but then sent it off target, while Marko Arnautovic fired high minutes later. 
 
After a few good minutes for Austria, Brazil made an effort to seize full control of the game during the last third of the first half. 
 
Thiago Silva squandered a golden scoring chance with a header on a Neymar corner. 
 
And finally, Brazil got onto the scoreboard as Gabriel Jesus collected a rebound ball, sending it home in the 36th minute. 
 
After the intermission, Brazil's momentum continued as it took advantage of the physical ebb experienced by the Austrians. 
 
The European squad, which had won its previous seven matches, seemed to take the game too seriously for a friendly. 
 
Brazil managed to create for itself the space in which it thrives and doubled the score as Willian assisted Neymar, who dribbled past a defender before putting the ball between Lindner's legs. 
 
Six minutes later, Coutinho took advantage of the space he was offered during a left side counterattack to run with the ball, firing his team's third goal.

Neymar started and led Brazil to a 3-0 win over Austria in the Selecao's final pre-World Cup friendly

Neymar on Sunday started and led Brazil to a 3-0 win over Austria in the Seleçao's final pre-World Cup friendly. During the final test ahead of the tournament, which kicks off in Russia on June 14, Brazilian national team coach Tite relied on two defensive midfielders, Barcelona's Paulinho and Real Madrid's Casemiro, with Philippe Coutinho as playmaker. The Brazilian national team exerted its main pressure on the left side, as the duo of Neymar and Coutinho proved once again to be the key to the team's playmaking. Eight minutes into the game, Casemiro threatened goaltender Heinz Lindner by firing a powerful shot that went just slightly wide shortly before Neymar unsuccessfully tried his luck with a shot from long range. The hosts, however, reacted with David Alaba several times moving the ball in behind the Brazilian defense, which clearly displayed some weaknesses. Posing a danger for the first time, Austria's Alessandro Schopf collected a rebound ball but then sent it off target, while Marko Arnautovic fired high minutes later. After a few good minutes for Austria, Brazil made an effort to seize full control of the game during the last third of the first half. Thiago Silva squandered a golden scoring chance with a header on a Neymar corner. And finally, Brazil got onto the scoreboard as Gabriel Jesus collected a rebound ball, sending it home in the 36th minute. After the intermission, Brazil's momentum continued as it took advantage of the physical ebb experienced by the Austrians. The European squad, which had won its previous seven matches, seemed to take the game too seriously for a friendly. Brazil managed to create for itself the space in which it thrives and doubled the score as Willian assisted Neymar, who dribbled past a defender before putting the ball between Lindner's legs. Six minutes later, Coutinho took advantage of the space he was offered during a left side counterattack to run with the ball, firing his team's third goal.

Neymar, Jesus, Coutinho lead Brazil to 3-0 win over Austria in friendly

Andres Iniesta waved goodbye to Barcelona on Sunday and his supposed successor scored the winner as Philippe Coutinho's superb strike sealed a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad.&nbsp

Iniesta, with a tear in his eye, walked off to a standing ovation from the Camp Nou when substituted in the second half, having unfastened his captain's armband and handed it to Lionel Messi.&nbsp

If Messi is to become Barca's new leader, Coutinho is the player marked out to assume Iniesta's creative responsibilities and it was perhaps fitting the Brazilian proved the difference on a night almost entirely devoted to his 34-year-old team-mate.&nbsp

After his number eight had come up on the fourth official's board, Iniesta first hugged Messi and then embraced the rest of his colleagues. He clapped the crowd, blew them a kiss, before exhaling and ducking into the dug-out.&nbsp

After 22 years at the club and 16 in the first team, Iniesta's 674 appearances for Barcelona is bettered only by Xavi Hernandez, who was also on the pitch before kick-off to join in the tributes.&nbsp

Real Sociedad welcomed Iniesta with a guard of honour while the crowd formed an impressive mosaic to spell out 'Infinit Iniesta' on the two sides of the Camp Nou, with an infinity symbol, doubling up as number eights, at the ends.&nbsp

A giant flag behind one of the goals read 'Gracies Per Tant', 'thank you for so much'.&nbsp

Iniesta exchanged pennants with Xabi Prieto, the 34-year-old midfielder who is also calling time after 15 years in the first team of Real Sociedad. Prieto came on in the 88th minute to great appreciation from the visiting support.&nbsp

There was also a football match to win and Barcelona's victory means they finish top of La Liga on 93 points, 14 ahead of their nearest rivals Atletico Madrid and 17 clear of Real.&nbsp

Dembele injury concern

The one blot on the night was an injury to Ousmane Dembele, who had to go off in the 53rd minute after sustaining an injury to his right foot towards the end of the first half.

Dembele was seen being handed an ice pack on the bench, with France now facing an anxious wait for the diagnosis before the start of the World Cup.

Ernesto Valverde stayed true to his word that he would rest Messi, who only came on for the final 23 minutes.

Early on, Gerard Pique miscued when left free at a corner and Ivan Rakitic headed wide but otherwise Real Sociedad were fairly comfortable in the first half.&nbsp

Nelson Semedo wanted a penalty after he was tripped by Alberto De La Bella and Luis Suarez wanted a harsher punishment when Raul Navas lunged in on Dembele.&nbsp

Navas, nowhere near the ball, caught Dembele's right foot and Suarez was booked for his complaints to referee Jose Munuera.&nbsp

Dembele finished the half but was taken off shortly after the interval as Denis Suarez came on to replace the French forward.&nbsp

Coutinho's goal came rather out of the blue but was no less impressive for the fact as he wiggled his way into space on the left of the penalty area and curled a trademark shot inside the far corner.&nbsp

That was his last significant contribution before being replaced by Messi, who almost set up a second only for Denis Suarez to squander the finish.&nbsp

Finally, Iniesta was replaced in the 82nd minute by Paco Alcacer and the fans did not stop chanting the veteran's name until the final whistle blew.&nbsp

Andres Iniesta waved goodbye to Barcelona on Sunday and his supposed successor scored the winner as Philippe Coutinho's superb strike sealed a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad

Andres Iniesta waved goodbye to Barcelona on Sunday and his supposed successor scored the winner as Philippe Coutinho's superb strike sealed a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad. Iniesta, with a tear in his eye, walked off to a standing ovation from the Camp Nou when substituted in the second half, having unfastened his captain's armband and handed it to Lionel Messi. If Messi is to become Barca's new leader, Coutinho is the player marked out to assume Iniesta's creative responsibilities and it was perhaps fitting the Brazilian proved the difference on a night almost entirely devoted to his 34-year-old team-mate. After his number eight had come up on the fourth official's board, Iniesta first hugged Messi and then embraced the rest of his colleagues. He clapped the crowd, blew them a kiss, before exhaling and ducking into the dug-out. After 22 years at the club and 16 in the first team, Iniesta's 674 appearances for Barcelona is bettered only by Xavi Hernandez, who was also on the pitch before kick-off to join in the tributes. Real Sociedad welcomed Iniesta with a guard of honour while the crowd formed an impressive mosaic to spell out 'Infinit Iniesta' on the two sides of the Camp Nou, with an infinity symbol, doubling up as number eights, at the ends. A giant flag behind one of the goals read 'Gracies Per Tant', 'thank you for so much'. Iniesta exchanged pennants with Xabi Prieto, the 34-year-old midfielder who is also calling time after 15 years in the first team of Real Sociedad. Prieto came on in the 88th minute to great appreciation from the visiting support. There was also a football match to win and Barcelona's victory means they finish top of La Liga on 93 points, 14 ahead of their nearest rivals Atletico Madrid and 17 clear of Real. Dembele injury concern The one blot on the night was an injury to Ousmane Dembele, who had to go off in the 53rd minute after sustaining an injury to his right foot towards the end of the first half. Dembele was seen being handed an ice pack on the bench, with France now facing an anxious wait for the diagnosis before the start of the World Cup. Ernesto Valverde stayed true to his word that he would rest Messi, who only came on for the final 23 minutes. Early on, Gerard Pique miscued when left free at a corner and Ivan Rakitic headed wide but otherwise Real Sociedad were fairly comfortable in the first half. Nelson Semedo wanted a penalty after he was tripped by Alberto De La Bella and Luis Suarez wanted a harsher punishment when Raul Navas lunged in on Dembele. Navas, nowhere near the ball, caught Dembele's right foot and Suarez was booked for his complaints to referee Jose Munuera. Dembele finished the half but was taken off shortly after the interval as Denis Suarez came on to replace the French forward. Coutinho's goal came rather out of the blue but was no less impressive for the fact as he wiggled his way into space on the left of the penalty area and curled a trademark shot inside the far corner. That was his last significant contribution before being replaced by Messi, who almost set up a second only for Denis Suarez to squander the finish. Finally, Iniesta was replaced in the 82nd minute by Paco Alcacer and the fans did not stop chanting the veteran's name until the final whistle blew.

Andres Iniesta bows out with Barca win thanks to brilliant Coutinho strike

Lionel Messi was away attending the birth of his son but Barcelona still had more than enough to beat 10-man Malaga 2-0 on Saturday and move 11 points clear at the top of La Liga.

Messi was watching the game on a television in the hospital as Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho put his team two up inside half an hour at La Rosaleda Stadium, before Samuel Garcia was sent off in the 30th minute for a dangerous tackle on Jordi Alba.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BgJ67QJn9Hi/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:8px;">
<div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:60.50925925925926% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;">
<div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BgJ67QJn9Hi/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Listos !!!</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/leomessi/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Leo Messi</a> (@leomessi) on <time datetime="2018-03-10T19:48:55+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 10, 2018 at 11:48am PST</time>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Down a man and without a win in 12 matches, Malaga might have feared a rout but Barca settled for a straightforward victory, perhaps with one eye on Wednesday&#39;s Champions League last-16 clash against Chelsea.

Messi is expected back at the Camp Nou, where the score is 1-1 from the first leg, but Ernesto Valverde will have been delighted with how his attackers filled the void, as Suarez, Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele all delivered excellent displays.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
???? Final whistle! 
⚽ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/M%C3%A1lagaBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#M&aacute;lagaBar&ccedil;a</a> 
???? <a href="https://twitter.com/LuisSuarez9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LuisSuarez9</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Phil_Coutinho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Phil_Coutinho</a> ???? 
 
???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/For%C3%A7aBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#For&ccedil;aBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/UKxbiVmwBM">pic.twitter.com/UKxbiVmwBM</a>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/972586771933466625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

In particular, Dembele&#39;s brilliant turn and the pass was bettered only by Coutinho&#39;s flicked finish for what was a superb second goal.

The win means Barca extend their advantage over second-placed Atletico Madrid, who can pull the deficit back to eight points with a win over Celta Vigo on Sunday.

Malaga, meanwhile, remains rooted to the bottom of the table.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Without Messi, Barcelona defeated10-man Malaga 2-0 and move 11 points clear at the top of La Liga

Lionel Messi was away attending the birth of his son but Barcelona still had more than enough to beat 10-man Malaga 2-0 on Saturday and move 11 points clear at the top of La Liga. Messi was watching the game on a television in the hospital as Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho put his team two up inside half an hour at La Rosaleda Stadium, before Samuel Garcia was sent off in the 30th minute for a dangerous tackle on Jordi Alba. Listos !!! A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi) on Mar 10, 2018 at 11:48am PST × Down a man and without a win in 12 matches, Malaga might have feared a rout but Barca settled for a straightforward victory, perhaps with one eye on Wednesday's Champions League last-16 clash against Chelsea. Messi is expected back at the Camp Nou, where the score is 1-1 from the first leg, but Ernesto Valverde will have been delighted with how his attackers filled the void, as Suarez, Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele all delivered excellent displays. ???? Final whistle! ⚽ #MálagaBarça ???? @LuisSuarez9, @Phil_Coutinho ???? ???????? #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/UKxbiVmwBM — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 10, 2018 × In particular, Dembele's brilliant turn and the pass was bettered only by Coutinho's flicked finish for what was a superb second goal. The win means Barca extend their advantage over second-placed Atletico Madrid, who can pull the deficit back to eight points with a win over Celta Vigo on Sunday. Malaga, meanwhile, remains rooted to the bottom of the table.

Suarez, Coutinho inspire Barca to win against Malaga

Barcelona entered the finals of Copa Del Rey&nbsp;after defeating Valencia in the second leg of semi-finals on Thursday at Mestalla.

Philippe Coutinho scored his first goal for the team and&nbsp;opened his account for Barcelona.

The Brazilian super start made an impact by netting the ball in the 47th minute of the game, just within 4 minutes after his introduction to the game.

Phil teamed up with his former Liverpool buddy Luis Suarez and converted a excellent cross to put the holders 1-0 up and after that Ivan Rakitic scored in the 87th minute to take an unescapable lead to enter the finals of Copa Del Rey with a high.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
????⚽ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaBar&ccedil;a</a> 
???? [Valencia v Bar&ccedil;a] 
???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/For%C3%A7aBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#For&ccedil;aBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/8zebzrThhI">pic.twitter.com/8zebzrThhI</a>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/961747765977075713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&quot;For me it is my first final, so it is a very special moment,&quot; Coutinho told Spanish TV station Gol.

&quot;I am very happy. I had been searching for this goal in my first few matches. Today I got it and it helped the team get through to the final,&quot; he added.

Earlier, Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde had opted for Andre Gomes instead of Coutinho but amid the game the coach&nbsp;replaced ineffective Gomes in the second half with the 160 million-euro worth Coutinho.

Winners of the trophy in each of the last three campaigns, the Catalans will face Sevilla in the final set for the weekend of April 21 and 22 as Sevilla beat Leganes 2-0 on Wednesday to go through 3-1 on aggregate.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
???? Coutinho: &quot;I feel happy to have scored my first goal for Bar&ccedil;a and have helped the team get to the final. It&#39;s a special moment&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CopaBar%C3%A7a?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CopaBar&ccedil;a</a> <a href="https://t.co/5Ua0ZvDxGb">pic.twitter.com/5Ua0ZvDxGb</a>
&mdash; FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/961737158347427840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

"For me it is my first final, so it is a very special moment," said Coutinho after the match

Barcelona entered the finals of Copa Del Rey after defeating Valencia in the second leg of semi-finals on Thursday at Mestalla. Philippe Coutinho scored his first goal for the team and opened his account for Barcelona. The Brazilian super start made an impact by netting the ball in the 47th minute of the game, just within 4 minutes after his introduction to the game. Phil teamed up with his former Liverpool buddy Luis Suarez and converted a excellent cross to put the holders 1-0 up and after that Ivan Rakitic scored in the 87th minute to take an unescapable lead to enter the finals of Copa Del Rey with a high. ????⚽ #CopaBarça ???? [Valencia v Barça] ???????? #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/8zebzrThhI — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 8, 2018 × "For me it is my first final, so it is a very special moment," Coutinho told Spanish TV station Gol. "I am very happy. I had been searching for this goal in my first few matches. Today I got it and it helped the team get through to the final," he added. Earlier, Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde had opted for Andre Gomes instead of Coutinho but amid the game the coach replaced ineffective Gomes in the second half with the 160 million-euro worth Coutinho. Winners of the trophy in each of the last three campaigns, the Catalans will face Sevilla in the final set for the weekend of April 21 and 22 as Sevilla beat Leganes 2-0 on Wednesday to go through 3-1 on aggregate. ???? Coutinho: "I feel happy to have scored my first goal for Barça and have helped the team get to the final. It's a special moment" #CopaBarça pic.twitter.com/5Ua0ZvDxGb — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 8, 2018 ×

Barcelona enters Copa del Rey final, Coutinho scores opener

The football agents are up and about, ready to embark on another day of wheeling and dealing in the universe of European football.

The following are some of the stories that we heard through the grapevine.&nbsp;And believe me some of the stories are juicy indeed.

Philippe Coutinho

Let&#39;s begin the day with the juiciest bit of news (But I&#39;d suggest Liverpool fans to look away).

Coutinho, the playmer that makes Liverpool tick, has grabbed Barcelona&#39;s attention, according to AS.

The Catalan giants have prepared a 51 million GBP offer for the Brazilian and are keen to bring him to Camp Nou.

Surely that would make Jurgen Klopp froth at the mouth with rage as Coutinho has been integral to everything that Liverpool do.

Though Coutinho has had an injury-ravaged season, he has still managed to represent the Reds 27 times this year, scoring 10 goals in the process.

But it is not just the goals that makes him improtant, the playmaker/attacking midfielder is the fulcrum of the free-flowing football that Anfield has witnessed during Klopp&#39;s tenure.

Here&#39;s a taster of how important he is for Liverpool:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/trmJIDSNepM" width="560"></iframe>

If the deal does go through, the only upshot would be that Liverpool will make a decent profit of 42.5 million GBP. (Coutinho&#39;s services were acquired for 8.5 million GBP).&nbsp;

Kylian Mbappe

I know, I know. It&#39;s tiring to open the transfer section and read about the new kid in town.

It&#39;s tiring for me to type it out too. But believe me, this has all the ingredients to be a summer-long saga. So let&#39;s embrace it and go along with the ride.

What we know is that a clutch of major football powerhouses are in the races to get the French teenager.

We also know that Manchester United reportedly made a 72 million GBP for the speedy forward. And some media reports suggest that the bid has been declined by Monaco. In case you didn&#39;t know, let me just plug the story <a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/football-transfer-news-mbappe-on-city-psg-radar-de-geas-madrid-saga-15189">here</a>.

But it&#39;s a new day and there&#39;s a new story.

Manchester United may have bid first, but it is Real Madrid that stands at the front of the queue.

And if Daily Mail is to be believed, the rising star has &quot;said yes&quot; to joining Los Blancos. But something tells me, this is not over yet...

Ronald Koeman

In case you were living under a rock, I need to inform you that Barcelona will be coach-less at the end of the year.

Luis Enrique has decided to step down as Barca boss and the Catalan giants are preparing a list of candidates that can take over.

And Koeman has taken the opportunity to flaunt his love for Barcelona, a club where he played from 1989 to 1995.&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z5fR2bwqXYg" width="560"></iframe>

&quot;Everyone knows that I am from Barca, they know my love for a club where I grew up as a player and as a person,&quot; he told Sport.

&quot;In football, as in life, as in business, everything can be talked about and discussed.

&quot;In my life as a professional coach I have two dreams to fulfil. One, coach my country, Holland [he was previously assistant to Guus Hiddink for the 1998 World Cup].

&quot;My other wish, my other dream, is to one day coach Barca. That&#39;s the truth.

&quot;I now owe Everton. We have a very powerful and exciting project and we will reinforce our best to try to reach next season the Champions League.&quot;

Now, that&#39;s an impressive statement of purpose to his prospective bosses, while at the same time&nbsp;he keeps his current bosses by his side too.

Alvaro Morata

The 24-year-old striker has caught Manchester United gaffer Jose Mourinho&#39;s attention.

Multiple reports suggest that Old Trafford is looking to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic with the Real Madrid forward.

Is getting him a possibility? Sure. he hardly gets to play for Real Madrid -- anyone would, considering there&#39;s Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez&nbsp;and Isco to contend with.

Is there a hitch? Sure. A certain Chelsea is also monitoring him closely.&nbsp;

James Rodriguez

Yes, him. Remember the Colombian who made a huge splash at the World Cup, winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup?

You don&#39;t. Never mind, here&#39;s a refresher video:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hO41kJJTFik" width="560"></iframe>

There are rumours abuzz about Manchester United looking to get him as part of a swap deal with David De Gea.

De Gea&nbsp;is keen to go to Real Madrid and United are looking to leverage him for the 25-year-old with a feared left foot.

Arda Turan

I hate to do this but it&#39;s another piece of bad news for Gooners.

The Turkish &#39;Zizou&#39; is not too keen to join Arsenal. Instead, he wants to fight it out at Barcelona, according to The Independent.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/football-transfer-news-mbappe-on-city-psg-radar-de-geas-madrid-saga-15189">May 3 transfer gossip</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/football-transfers-bayern-eye-sanchez-united-look-to-griezmann-15235">May 4 transfer gossip</a>

(WION)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Also, Manchester United's transfer wishlist and the Mbappe transfer saga

The football agents are up and about, ready to embark on another day of wheeling and dealing in the universe of European football. The following are some of the stories that we heard through the grapevine. And believe me some of the stories are juicy indeed. Philippe Coutinho Let's begin the day with the juiciest bit of news (But I'd suggest Liverpool fans to look away). Coutinho, the playmer that makes Liverpool tick, has grabbed Barcelona's attention, according to AS. The Catalan giants have prepared a 51 million GBP offer for the Brazilian and are keen to bring him to Camp Nou. Surely that would make Jurgen Klopp froth at the mouth with rage as Coutinho has been integral to everything that Liverpool do. Though Coutinho has had an injury-ravaged season, he has still managed to represent the Reds 27 times this year, scoring 10 goals in the process. But it is not just the goals that makes him improtant, the playmaker/attacking midfielder is the fulcrum of the free-flowing football that Anfield has witnessed during Klopp's tenure. Here's a taster of how important he is for Liverpool: If the deal does go through, the only upshot would be that Liverpool will make a decent profit of 42.5 million GBP. (Coutinho's services were acquired for 8.5 million GBP). Kylian Mbappe I know, I know. It's tiring to open the transfer section and read about the new kid in town. It's tiring for me to type it out too. But believe me, this has all the ingredients to be a summer-long saga. So let's embrace it and go along with the ride. What we know is that a clutch of major football powerhouses are in the races to get the French teenager. We also know that Manchester United reportedly made a 72 million GBP for the speedy forward. And some media reports suggest that the bid has been declined by Monaco. In case you didn't know, let me just plug the story here. But it's a new day and there's a new story. Manchester United may have bid first, but it is Real Madrid that stands at the front of the queue. And if Daily Mail is to be believed, the rising star has "said yes" to joining Los Blancos. But something tells me, this is not over yet... Ronald Koeman In case you were living under a rock, I need to inform you that Barcelona will be coach-less at the end of the year. Luis Enrique has decided to step down as Barca boss and the Catalan giants are preparing a list of candidates that can take over. And Koeman has taken the opportunity to flaunt his love for Barcelona, a club where he played from 1989 to 1995. "Everyone knows that I am from Barca, they know my love for a club where I grew up as a player and as a person," he told Sport. "In football, as in life, as in business, everything can be talked about and discussed. "In my life as a professional coach I have two dreams to fulfil. One, coach my country, Holland [he was previously assistant to Guus Hiddink for the 1998 World Cup]. "My other wish, my other dream, is to one day coach Barca. That's the truth. "I now owe Everton. We have a very powerful and exciting project and we will reinforce our best to try to reach next season the Champions League." Now, that's an impressive statement of purpose to his prospective bosses, while at the same time he keeps his current bosses by his side too. Alvaro Morata The 24-year-old striker has caught Manchester United gaffer Jose Mourinho's attention. Multiple reports suggest that Old Trafford is looking to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic with the Real Madrid forward. Is getting him a possibility? Sure. he hardly gets to play for Real Madrid -- anyone would, considering there's Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Isco to contend with. Is there a hitch? Sure. A certain Chelsea is also monitoring him closely. James Rodriguez Yes, him. Remember the Colombian who made a huge splash at the World Cup, winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup? You don't. Never mind, here's a refresher video: There are rumours abuzz about Manchester United looking to get him as part of a swap deal with David De Gea. De Gea is keen to go to Real Madrid and United are looking to leverage him for the 25-year-old with a feared left foot. Arda Turan I hate to do this but it's another piece of bad news for Gooners. The Turkish 'Zizou' is not too keen to join Arsenal. Instead, he wants to fight it out at Barcelona, according to The Independent. May 3 transfer gossip May 4 transfer gossip (WION)

Football transfer news: Which Spanish giant is launching a bid for Coutinho and more

coutinho

Coutinho, News on Coutinho, stories on Coutinho, articles on Coutinho, Coutinho stories at Wion, Coutinho news, Coutinho latest news