Coutinho faces three months out
Ronald Koeman expects to be without Philippe Coutinho for at least three months after surgery to repair the Brazilian's knee injury.
Coutinho suffered damage to the external meniscus of his left knee after coming on as a second-half substitute in Barcelona's 1-1 draw with Eibar on Wednesday (AEDT) at Camp Nou.
The Brazil international was told he required an operation after further assessment and, while the club has yet to offer a timetable for his return, Koeman has confirmed it will be a lengthy absence.
Speaking ahead of Monday's (AEDT) LaLiga fixture away to Huesca, the Barca boss admitted it is a blow to lose another forward option, considering he is also without the services of Ansu Fati.
"It's unlucky because we have so many important players out injured and Philippe will be about three months out," Koeman said.
"He always has been an important player and he will be important, but now he has to recover, and I don't know when he will be 100 per cent fit.
"An important absence. Up front, we are having some problems, of course, and I will have to see how we can solve Philippe's absence."
Coutinho's injury will increase speculation over Barca making a move for long-time target Memphis Depay in the January transfer window.
The Netherlands international is in the final year of his contract at Lyon and media reports in both France and Spain have suggested he could be available at a greatly reduced price, considering he can leave for free at the end of the 2020-2021 season.
In the short term, Koeman will at least have Lionel Messi back for the game with Huesca, as Barcelona aims to avoid losing three successive games against newly promoted sides in the top flight for the first time in its history.
The Blaugrana were beaten by Osasuna in July towards the end of the previous season, then humbled by top-flight new boys Cadiz last month.
