‘At least’ - Aston Villa key man expected to miss World Cup as injury return date issued

Aston Villa midfielder Philippe Coutinho is expected to miss the World Cup with a thigh injury, according to reports in Brazil. The former Liverpool man missed the Villans’ 3-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday as he failed to make the squad entirely.

Brazil manager Tite is set to announce his 26-man squad in the coming days and there was a lot of speculation as to whether Coutinho would make it, considering his injury. Now though, TNT Sports report the 30-year-old will be out for ‘at least’ six weeks, therefore ruling him out of contention.

The attacking-minded Villa man has seen a reduction in game time this season with a mix of poor form and fitness issues seen as contributing factors. He’s only made a handful of starts and has failed to record a single direct goal contribution this term.

Other forward options currently available to Brazil include Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar, Barcelona winger Raphinha, Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior, and Premier League stars Antony, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Richarlison, and Lucas Paqueta.