Jump directly to the content
KLOPP OUT

Philippe Coutinho will MISS Liverpool vs Manchester City due to his back injury – despite starring for Brazil this week, admits boss Jurgen Klopp

Samba star missed the first three Premier League games of the season with a stress-related back problem and handed in a transfer request

PHILIPPE COUTINHO will be ruled out of Liverpool's clash with Manchester City with injury despite playing for Brazil during the international break.

The Premier League’s most complicated transfer saga involved the Brazil star being ruled out with for Liverpool’s first three league games with a stress-related back injury... and then scoring for his country.

 A glum-looking Philippe Coutinho arrived at Melwood for Liverpool training on Thursday
9
A glum-looking Philippe Coutinho arrived at Melwood for Liverpool training on ThursdayCredit: iCelebTV
 The Brazilian trained with team-mates after failing to get his desired move to Barcelona
9
The Brazilian trained with team-mates after failing to get his desired move to BarcelonaCredit: iCelebTV

Jurgen Klopp has stood by the story that the Anfield hero is nursing a genuine medical problem - and not just biding his time before a last-gasp Barcelona move.

The German needs his best team out for Saturday’s early kick-off against Pep Guardiola’s men but has admitted his star playmaker could return to the missing list.

Klopp said: “Nothing else to say, actually, so he's back and we had a really good conversation, so good.

“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.

The Kop icon played and scored in the final 14 minutes of his side's 2-0 victory over Ecuador on September 1 and, just four days later, played 15 minutes in the draw with Colombia.

 Coutinho made two substitute appearances - and scored - for Brazil during the international break
9
Coutinho made two substitute appearances - and scored - for Brazil during the international breakCredit: Reuters
 Jurgen Klopp must now decided whether Coutinho is in the frame of mind to play
9
Jurgen Klopp must now decided whether Coutinho is in the frame of mind to playCredit: Rex Features
 Fernandinho posted a picture of City and Liverpool stars like Philippe Coutinho flying back to England
9
Fernandinho posted a picture of City and Liverpool stars like Philippe Coutinho flying back to England
 This snap of Brazil stars was shared by PSG new boy Fernandinho
9
This snap of Brazil stars was shared by PSG new boy Fernandinho
 Philippe Coutinho might not be back in action for Jurgen Klopp's side this weekend
9
Philippe Coutinho might not be back in action for Jurgen Klopp's side this weekendCredit: AFP
 Philippe Coutinho wanted to join Barcelona but now must stay with Liverpool
9
Philippe Coutinho wanted to join Barcelona but now must stay with LiverpoolCredit: AFP or licensors
 Brazil playmaker Philippe Coutinho will be assessed by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp before a decision is made about him facing Man City this weekend
9
Brazil playmaker Philippe Coutinho will be assessed by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp before a decision is made about him facing Man City this weekendCredit: Rex Features

Team-mate Neymar said the Barca target was playing with a great pain in his heart and Klopp fears he is not ready to return to his side.

He said: “We have now to continue with the pre-season, not too long, but in a few sessions we have to give ourselves the time because in the next month we have seven games.

“We always have the same decision to make, 'does he need training or can he play?' and all that stuff.

“Yes, he will now do a little bit more than the other boys but he showed up in a very, very good mood and looks really promising.”

Virgil van Dijk is one of the best goal-scoring defenders in the Premier League. But he is not alone.

Take a look at the best back-four free-kick specialists in the Prem including stars from Chelsea and Liverpool.

Topics