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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

Aston Villa handed Philippe Coutinho boost ahead of Manchester United Premier League fixture

Philippe Coutinho is poised to make his Aston Villa debut when Manchester United visit Villa Park in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

Villa swooped to sign the Brazilian on loan from Spanish giants Barcelona last week, subject to him passing a medical, which has now been completed.

The former Liverpool man, who will be reunited with former team-mate Steven Gerrard at Villa Park, is poised to link up with his new team-mates at Villa's Bodymoor Heath training ground on Wednesday, ahead of United's trip to Villa Park on Saturday teatime, which will see Ralf Rangnick's side looking to get back to winning ways in the Premier League, following last week's 1-0 defeat to Wolves.

Although he has recently been forced to overcome Covid-19, meaning match fitness has been lacking for the Brazilian, he is expected to at least make the squad against the Reds.

Addressing Coutinho's arrival at Villa Park, Villa manager Gerrard said: "Philippe is currently in the process of finalising his immigration papers and we are looking forward to getting him on the training pitch with the group on Wednesday at Bodymoor.

"He is an outstanding footballer who boasts a highly impressive CV laced with plenty of elite honours.

"I am really pleased that we have been able to bring him on board and I am looking forward to working with him.

"He is a player I enjoyed playing with previously and I know the rest of the squad here at Aston Villa will benefit from his quality and experience. His presence will be invaluable given injuries and the AFCON tournament have reduced our attacking options."

Should the former Inter Milan ace make his Villa bow on Saturday, it will be the 12th time in his career that he has faced United. In his previous 11 outings against the Reds, he has scored two goals, including one in his last appearance against United for Barcelona, and has been on the winning side on five occasions.

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