Philippe Coutinho has fallen out of Barca's Gala XI
The line up in Lyon showed that Coutinho is not longer a first choice pick
Philippe Coutinho did not start one of the biggest games of the season, one of the matches which makes clear what everyone’s status in the squad is.
It’s clear now that with everyone fit, Ousmane Dembele is ahead of Philippe Coutinho for the big games. The Brazilian has not earned his place in the XI during the time the French winger was out.
Against Lyon Dembele started on the left, with Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi completing the rest of the attacking line.
Dembele was one of the best performers even though he was on the left - his best performances have arrived on the right - but made way for Coutinho with 25 minutes or so remaining.
The Brazilian had a quick impact after coming on but was smothered out of the game.
“I thought that Dembele was feeling tired and Philippe came on well, he linked up the team,” said Valverde.
It was a better Coutinho than we have seen in recent weeks.
More daring and intense, but still far from the version we need to see.
Valverde and his team-mates have asked for patience. But he has fallen out of the first XI and must fight against the current.
