Aston Villa manager Emery hoping Coutinho back sooner than expected

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is hopeful that star attacker Philippe Coutinho will be fit sooner than expected.

The Brazilian came off during the Premier League side's 4-0 win over Everton at the weekend.

While Villa initially feared that Coutinho could be out for months with a hamstring injury, he could return in a matter of weeks.

Asked about the matter post-game, Emery said: I don't think it is a big injury. I think it is a hamstring but we have to wait for tomorrow to analyze.

Then, hopefully in two or three weeks he will be available again."

The former Liverpool and Barcelona star has struggled with hamstring issues for the past year.