Philippe Coutinho will start for Aston Villa at Everton on Saturday if he can prove he’s fit enough, according to Paul Robinson.
The Brazilian made an instant impact on his debut against Manchester United, stepping off the substitute bench to provide an assist for Jacob Ramsey, before scoring the equaliser moments later to help Villa come from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw.
Coutinho joined Villa on loan for the rest of the season from Barcelona earlier this month, after becoming a peripheral figure at the Nou Camp.
Prior to his arrival Steven Gerrard’s side had lost a little momentum, losing their last three in all competitions.
However, Robinson believes the 29-year-old showed in the game against United that he can be a catalyst for Villa, and tipped him to start against Everton provided he’s fit enough to do so.
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“Coutinho had such an amazing impact on that game, if he’s fit, he plays. He told Football Insider .
“If you look at his record over the past few seasons, he has not played regularly and he has not played every week. Villa need to be careful.
“They need to make sure that he’s fit. The last thing they want is for him to break down at any point.
“When he came on against United he looked fit and he looked sharp so if he’s fit, he plays. You don’t sign a player of his quality to sit on the bench. He’s not a player that’s been brought in to bolster the squad.
“He will start this weekend if he’s fit. If he gets back to his best, wow.”
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