Philippe Coutinho shakes off illness and back injury to score for Brazil as Liverpool star fights for Barcelona move
Jurgen Klopp insisted his star man was injured before he was whisked off to play for the Samba stars
PHILIPPE COUTINHO forgot all about his injury woes to jump off the bench and score for Brazil in their 2-0 World Cup qualifier win over Ecuador.
The Liverpool man is being tempted to Barcelona, with a third late bid coming on Thursday night for a reported £138million.
And there were no signs of the back and illness problems that ruled the playmaker out of Liverpool’s opening three matches as he struck and celebrated.
The Samba stars left it late to beat their South American rivals and it was potential Barca team-mates who did the damage.
Former Spurs midfielder Paulinho – probably the most shocking transfer of the summer with his switch from the mercenary paradise of the Chinese Super League to the Nou Camp – bagged on 69 minutes.
The ex-Tottenham man spanked in the opener from just outside the six-yard box, after Chelsea ace Willian’s corner.
And Coutinho – a medical marvel for being able to lace up his boots for this international clash – managed to kill the game off just seven minutes later.
The wantaway Anfield midfielder played a gorgeous one-two with Manchester City starlet Gabriel Jesus before slotting home with 14 minutes remaining.
Barcelona have until Friday evening to complete the deal for their No1 summer target as the Spanish window is 24-hours longer than the British.
If Coutinho’s injuries problems return he should be able to get a rest during future international breaks with his nation home and hosed.
Brazil now have an 11-point lead over nearest challengers Colombia with three matches of the qualifying campaign left.
Before Liverpool’s 4-0 rout of Arsenal last weekend, Klopp insisted his man was injured despite his date with Brazil.
He said: “In this moment he’s on our injury list, that didn’t change.
“I have no idea [about the call-up], was not in contact with the Brazilian FA.
“If they want to see him and check him, he has to go there.
“I don’t know exactly but I think it will happen. We’ll do it, it’s no problem.”