A crucial month which will decide Coutinho's future at FC Barcelona

There's no doubt that the situation surrounding Philippe Coutinho is a cause for concern at Barça. The midfielder has lost his place in the starting eleven and as such is unlikely to play in next month's crucial matches. This has caused rumours of a return to England to increase with a potential move taking place in the summer.

Barça and the player's representatives have met this season but only to discuss Coutinho's form and not to make any decision over a transfer. They are expected to join up together again following the quarter final matches in the Champions League.

At the club there's no doubt over Coutinho's quality but concerns exist over his failure to recapture his best form in Spain. Ousmane Dembele's improvement has seen the winger secure his role in the starting eleven and even when Valverde returned to the 4-4-2, Coutinho had to make do with a spot on the bench.

Barça signed Coutinho in a deal worth €120m, plus another €40m in add-ons. He's the most expensive transfer in the club's history and they hoped he would replace the iconic Andres Iniesta. After originally being used in midfielder he was later pushed further forward due to his attacking nature. Alongside the established duo of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, the other place is now Dembele's to lose. This has caused frustration for Coutinho.

The coaching staff's task is to help Coutinho reach the same levels everyone saw at Liverpool and they're confident that's possible due to how well he's performing for Brazil. He is used in midfield for Brazil rather than in his more advanced role.

It'll be interesting to see what happens over the next few weeks. The one thing everyone can agree on is that Coutinho being on the bench is a huge waste.

Barça haven't put Coutinho up for sale but there's interest from all over Europe should that situation change. Another issue is finding a side which would be able to afford his potential fee. Barcelona wouldn't accept anything less than €100m for Coutinho. The player, who is well liked in the dressing room, is only focused on becoming a success at the club and will fight to prove his worth in Dembele's absence.