UCL: Coutinho might start for Barcelona against Lyon

Philippe Coutinho in action for Barcelona - Getty

Philippe Coutinho might start for Barcelona in Wednesday's finely-balanced Champions League tie against Lyon, despite being booed last weekend.

Home fans jeered him as he came off to be replaced by Ivan Rakitic following an ineffective display in the 3-1 win over Rayo Vallecano.

Coutinho could replace Ousmane Dembele who suffered a hamstring strain, although Malcom is another option.

Defender Thomas Vermaelen remains sidelined with a thigh problem.

Barca will have to win the home leg after the first leg of their last-16 encounter in Lyon ended goalless.

Influential attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir is set to return for Lyon having been suspended for the first leg. The 25-year-old has scored 12 goals for the Ligue 1 club this season.

Team-mate Martin Terrier said: "When Nabil is on the field, we know what to expect, he's a great player who gives us reassurance. He has already shown his importance on the European scene."