Brazil defender supports Coutinho before the start of Cuba 2019 America

World football

Brazil defender Thiago Silva has confirmed that Samba has restored Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho after a difficult season with the Catalan side.

The Brazilian team beat Honduras 7-0 on Sunday in preparation for the Copa America 2019, with Tiago Silva and Philippe Coutinho finishing the match.

"Coutinho suffered with Barcelona and had a very difficult season," he told the Daily Mail. "He had a lot of pressure on him."

He added: "For us in Brazil, he is a reference on the pitch, and the responsibility in the last two games after the injury Neymar, has regained his smile with us.

"In the two matches we played, Coutinho was the best player, because of his goals and passions only, but also on the level of defensive support, he found himself again."

Coutinho did not offer the expected performance with Barcelona for a season and a half spent within the walls of the Camp Nou, and prepares to lead Brazil in Cuba America after confirmation of the absence of Neymar formally.