Philippe Coutinho Barcelona medical reveals thigh strain

Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho's debut at the club has been put on hold after the Brazilian's medical revealed a thigh strain.

The Spanish giants, who signed the former Liverpool man in a deal worth £142m, confirmed that Coutinho will be sidelined for around 20 days.

The news, which broke as Coutinho completed the final stages of his move from Merseyside, means that the player will be unable to make his first appearance for the league leaders for up to three weeks.

Barcelona currently top La Liga by nine points and are 16 points clear of rivals Real Madrid after 18 games.

The club turn their attention to the Copa del Rey this week, as they prepare to face Celta Vigo in the last 16 of the competition on Thursday.