Barcelona are holding back Philippe Coutinho this season amid claims they're close to having to pay Liverpool another cash bonus.

The Brazilian forward is slowly making his way back from injury, and was pictured last week returning to individual fitness work at the club's training base.

It is thought that he could be available to return to first-team action in March, however, he may have to wait some time longer to get back on the pitch.

Javi Miguel, of AS, explained on local TV that Barcelona would like to avoid using Coutinho for the remainder of the campaign, in a bid to avoid yet another transfer clause in his Liverpool deal.

According to the reporter, Coutinho is just seven games away from triggering a €5m appearance clause that will see the Nou Camp outfit owe yet more money to the Anfield side.

Barcelona's financial difficulties are no secret, with financial reports revealing the club still owe as much as £112m to 19 different clubs for transfer fees.

If the Brazilian makes just seven more appearances, the club will owe Liverpool and extra €5m

Nearly £25m of that is owed to Liverpool alone for Coutinho, and adding to that debt is not something the Catalan outfit wish to entertain.