Philippe Coutinho doubtful to feature against Arsenal as Liverpool star battles illness

Illness | Philippe Coutinho has not featured for Liverpool this term
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Vaishali Bhardwaj22 August 2017

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed Philippe Coutinho is battling an illness that could make him a doubt for the visit of Arsenal this weekend.

Coutinho has not featured for Liverpool this season due to a back injury and amid interest from Barcelona, who are believed to have seen three big-money offers for the 25-year-old rejected by the Reds.

Klopp confirmed in a press conference on Tuesday that a bout of illness means Coutinho will now not play in Liverpool's Champions League play-off second leg against Hoffenheim - which also raises doubts as to whether the midfielder will have any role in the league clash with Arsenal on Sunday.

Klopp told reporters when asked about Coutinho: "Of course, everything is okay between me and him. Absolutely. 100 per cent.

"He can't start tomorrow because on top of that he's now ill.

"It will take time because he has not trained for a long time. I've no idea at this moment (when he will return), we would have to check when he is back."