According to multiple sources, Philippe Coutinho has been left out of Liverpool’s Champions League team for Tuesday night’s match against Hoffenheim.
Coutinho’s transfer to Barcelona continues to play out with Liverpool reportedly not budging from their “no sale” stance. Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool’s owners, have stated they have no intention of selling the Brazilian this transfer window, despite Coutinho handing in a transfer request last week.
While some may have thought Coutinho’s participation in the Champions League playoff would have cooled Barcelona’s interest, that isn’t the case. The player wouldn’t be cup-tied if he was selected in the playoff round, so his inclusion would have had no bearing on the proposed transfer deal.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp didn’t play Coutinho in Saturday’s draw at Watford, and stated things were “out of his hands” following the match.
According to the Daily Express, Coutinho is set to be unveiled as a Barcelona player on Thursday along with Paulinho. While Spanish media has regularly reported on the deal being finalised any time, Liverpool continue to deny any transfer has been worked out, nor will one be agreed upon.
Liverpool’s Champions League squad will also be missing Daniel Sturridge as the club attempt to qualify for the tournament proper against Germany’s Hoffenheim Tuesday night.
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