Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp confirms Philippe Coutinho set for Champions League return

PHILIPPE COUTINHO looks set to make his long-awaited return to action for Liverpool against Sevilla in the Champions League.

Philippe Coutinho stuns fans with 15-minute cameo for Brazil

Coutinho, 25, is yet to feature for Liverpool this season after being ruled out with a back injury. 

He was also embroiled in a transfer saga with Barcelona following the world-record £200million sale of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain. 

The La Liga giants were determined to fill the void and earmarked Coutinho as the man to bolster their attacking options. 

But despite lodging three bids for and the player himself handing in a transfer request, they were unable to get a deal over the line as Liverpool stood firm on their stance that he was not for sale. 

Many thought the former Inter Milan forward could return to action for Liverpool against Manchester City. 

However, Klopp decided to leave him out in order to recover from his international exploits with Brazil. 

 went onto lose the match 5-0 at the Etihad, with the floodgates opening after Sadio Mane was given a straight red card for a gruesome foul on Ederson.

But despite the drubbing, has stood by his decision to leave his prized asset out of the team. 

And also confirmed he could be available for their Champions League clash against Sevilla on Wednesday (7:45pm). 

Klopp said: “This was the decision we took at City — to leave him out. If people blame me for this, no problem, but it was a decision taken for the season.

“He came back after a long flight, after three weeks without playing. 

“We have matches next Wednesday, next Saturday, we play, play, play, play.

Philippe CoutinhoGETTY

Jurgen Klopp confirms Philippe Coutinho could return for Liverpool against Sevilla

So we thought 'Let’s give him three or four days’ proper training — and then he’s available for us which is good news

Jurgen Klopp on Philippe Coutinho

“So we thought 'Let’s give him three or four days’ proper training — and then he’s available for us which is good news.”

The German boss also admitted that Liverpool will need more than just Coutinho to get back on track.

He added: “I’m not sure it’s quite that easy, but if it is that easy — if we bring him in and then everything is great again — then that’s cool.  

“With Phil, we didn’t always create more chances against City in the past.

“But he is a fantastic player. That is really good and hopefully we can use him as quickly as possible. That’s how it is.”

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