Philippe Coutinho Correia, a Brazilian professional footballer could be unavailable for the 2022 World Cup.
Countinho who doublesĀ as an attacking midfielder for Premier League club Aston Villa, could be out for long due to a quadriceps injury, manager Unai Emery disclosed.
The 30-year-old was absent from Sunday’s 3-1 Premier League victory over Manchester United and will miss Thursday’s trip to Old Trafford to face United again in the League Cup and Sunday’s visit to Brighton & Hove Albion in the league.
Emery confirmed Coutinho was sidelined due to a quad issue.
“I don’t know how long it’ll be but, today (Sunday), he couldn’t play and he’s not going to play until after the (World Cup) break.”
“He’s not going to play on Thursday or Sunday because he’s injured and he’s out longer.”
Brazil head coach Tite is set to announce his 26-man squad for the Nov. 20 to Dec. 18 World Cup in Qatar later on Monday.
Coutinho made his debut for Brazil in 2010 and has earned more than 60 caps but his disappointing form this season has led to doubts about his place in the squad.