With the transfer window shut on Philippe Coutinho’s Liverpool exit, fans are now eager to see their star player back on the pitch in a Reds jersey. However, Jurgen Klopp had disappointing news, admitting that the playmaker could miss their weekend clash.
The Selecao ace has been absent from Klopp’s squad since the beginning of the season due to a back injury. He thus missed their opening three Premier League games and their Champions League play-off tie.
Once play halted in Europe, and the international break resumed, Coutinho was immediately fit again. He came on as a substitute vs. Ecuador and showed no sign of injury, scoring in Brazil’s 2-0 win to raise suspicion as to whether he was even injured in the first place.
Nothing else to say, actually, so he’s back and we had a really good conversation, so good,” Klopp said (as per the Sun) ahead of their crucial clash with Man City.
“It’s of course different because Phil, I know what people think, but Phil had the back problem a few weeks ago and couldn’t train so that means he missed around about three weeks.
“Yes, he went to the national team and trained normally, but now we have to prepare for a normal season so we have seven games [before the next international break] and we saw training this morning and thought ‘OK, maybe we should use him immediately’ because he was really good, but that doesn’t make sense.”
Although Liverpool’s attack have impressed without the Brazilian, scoring four past Arsenal in the recent round, Coutinho’s return would be the cherry on top of the ice cream. The Barca target was all smiles upon his return to Melwood and should be ready to aid the Merseyside giants in their title push.
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