FC Barcleona star Philippe Coutinho starts for Brazil in Copa America opener

FC Barcelona forward Philippe Coutinho starts for Brazil in their opening game of the 2019 Copa America in Sao Paulo.

Tite's side kick off the tournament as hosts, looking to win it, for the first time since 2007, with four La Liga stars named in their 23-man squad, with Coutinho's club team mate Arthur Melo, Casemiro of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid defender Filipe Luis also included.

Three out of the four have been picked to start the opening game against Bolivia – with only Melo on the bench, after picking up an injury in their 7-0 warm up win over Honduras.

The former Liverpool man will win his 50th cap for La Selecao, as one of the most experienced members of the squad, after withdrawals from Neymar, Marcelo and Paulinho due to injury.

Champions League winners Liverpool have two representatives in the starting XI, with Alisson and Roberto Firmino included, with Fernandinho and Richarlison, making up a quartet of Premier League representation.

Tite's side head to the Fonte Nova Arnea for their next group game, against Venezuela on June 19, before completing  their Group A fixtures by facing Peru, back in Sao Paulo on June 22.

Tags 2019 Copa America Brazil FC Barcelona Philippe Coutinho
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