Jump directly to the content
COUT ME IN

Philippe Coutinho tipped to make Brazil’s clash with England but the Liverpool superstar is set to miss their earlier game with Japan

Docs expect the Barcelona target who has been out injured for a fortnight to be ready for the Wembley friendly on November 14

PHILIPPE COUTINHO is eyeing England at Wembley next Tuesday for his comeback.

The Brazil superstar last played in Liverpool's 4-1 thumping against Tottenham on October 22 - at the same venue.

 Philippe Coutinho has been out for two weeks but hopes to return to face England
5
Philippe Coutinho has been out for two weeks but hopes to return to face EnglandCredit: Reuters

His national team doctors expect the playmaker to miss Friday's game with Japan but return for the prestige friendly against Gareth Southgate's youthful Three Lions.

Ddoc Rodrigo Lasmar told Globo Esporte: "Coutinho had a muscle injury in the adductor of the left thigh.

"He is in the final phase of recovery.

"We knew that he would not be fully fit, but we chose to make his final recovery with us.

 Philippe Coutinho last played in a 4-1 humbling for Liverpool against Tottenham
5
Philippe Coutinho last played in a 4-1 humbling for Liverpool against TottenhamCredit: Rex Features
 Philippe Coutinho has sat it out for Liverpool for two weeks and might also miss the Brazil friendly against Japan in France - but should return at Wembley
5
Philippe Coutinho has sat it out for Liverpool for two weeks and might also miss the Brazil friendly against Japan in France - but should return at WembleyCredit: Rex Features

"The possibility of him playing against Japan is remote, but we work to make sure he's available against England.

"He may not be able to participate [against Japan]. If he can, he could stay on the bench and play for a few minutes.


NAME AND SHAME Jamie Carragher brilliantly trolls Gary Neville after Sky Sports blunder during Super Sunday analysis


"But it's a small chance. Our focus is to get him back for the second game."

The injury is just the latest saga this season for Barcelona target Coutinho.

The 25-year-old has been trying to knuckle down at Anfield after the frustration of missing a £130million-plus move to the Nou Camp.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has praised Coutinho's attitude since that deadline-day disappointment.

And Klopp will again fight to keep the former Inter midfielder in the January transfer window.

 A young England squad will have a useful test ahead of the World Cup finals in Russia next year when they take on superstars like Philippe Coutinho
5
A young England squad will have a useful test ahead of the World Cup finals in Russia next year when they take on superstars like Philippe CoutinhoCredit: Getty Images - Getty
West Ham 1-4 Liverpool: Reds run riot as Mohamed Salah’s brace pile more misery on under pressure Hammers boss Bilic
 Philippe Coutinho will hope and expect better fortune at Wembley for Brazil against England than he endured for Liverpool against Spurs on October 22
5
Philippe Coutinho will hope and expect better fortune at Wembley for Brazil against England than he endured for Liverpool against Spurs on October 22Credit: Rex Features


Keep up to date with ALL the transfer news and gossip on our blog


Topics