Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho is reportedly in contention to feature in his side’s trip to Manchester City next weekend.
The Brazilian international has yet to feature for Liverpool so far this season, with the club keeping to the official line that he has been suffering with a back injury.
Coincidentally, he has been the subject of intense speculation over his future amid ongoing talk of interest from Barcelona, while he featured for Brazil during the international break and scored a superb goal to dismiss the notion that he was suffering with an injury.
As reported by the Liverpool Echo, the 25-year-old has been included in Liverpool’s Premier League squad after the transfer deadline passed with a move to Barcelona failing to come to fruition.
In turn, Jurgen Klopp is expected to hold face-to-face talks with Coutinho when he returns to Melwood, with a view of reintegrating him into the squad as they look to clear things up and work together to ensure that the Merseyside giants have a successful season.
However, it’s noted in the report that claims were made in the Spanish press that there had been a breakdown in the relationship between Klopp and Coutinho, and so that could further complicate matters as they look to clear the air.
Nevertheless, it’s suggested that while Coutinho won’t be able to just walk back into the starting line-up, he is expected to be in contention as ultimately Klopp will know that Liverpool are a better side with the Brazilian involved, provided that he’s fully committed and ready to play his part.
As a result, Klopp will assess his fitness and attitude next week when the players all return from international duty, and Coutinho could find himself on the pitch at the Etihad next Saturday.