Messi and Pique welcome Coutinho to Barcelona training for first time

Philippe Coutinho has trained with Barcelona for the first time since completing a €160million move from Liverpool.

The Brazil international became the Catalan giants’ most expensive acquisition earlier this month but his debut has been delayed by a thigh injury.

Coutinho’s first appearance in a Barca shirt edged closer on Saturday, though, as he turned out for training with his new team-mates.

Pictures shared on the club’s Twitter account showed the likes of Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique applauding the 25-year-old as he was presented to the rest of the squad.

Bem-vindo! Great to see @Phil_Coutinho training with his new Barça team-mates today! #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/hw6iGHCJKB

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 20, 2018

LaLiga leaders Barca visit Real Betis on Sunday.