Philippe Coutinho will be a notable absentee as the Liverpool squad head to Dubai for few days break following their FA Cup win over Everton.

While his team mates are jetting to the Arab state to prepare for next weekend’s Premier League meeting with Manchester City, Coutinho will not make the trip as he tries to push through his move to Barcelona.

Coutinho missed Friday night’s 2-1 win with a thigh issue described by his club as ‘minor’. He has not played for Liverpool this season while the transfer window is open.

Liverpool do not want Coutinho to go in this window and will continue to try to convince him to stay for as long as possible. Despite their efforts, it looks increasingly like they are fighting a losing battle.

The club has told the the 25-year-old it is better for all parties if he stays for the rest of the campaign, particularly as he is ineligible to play in the Champions League for the Spanish side.