Liverpool still won't play Philippe Coutinho against Manchester City

If you were hoping that Saturday would mark the return of Philippe Coutinho to the Liverpool squad, you're going to be disappointed. Jürgen Klopp has announced that Coutinho will not be part of his team to face Manchester City on Saturday, despite him being fit enough to play for Brazil during the international break.

"I decided to leave him out of the squad for City so we can use the time for extra training," Klopp said. "He agreed."

Klopp also spoke about Coutinho's mood after he wasn't allowed to go to Barcelona. "I said, 'Welcome to two new players: Ox and Phil'. He loves football, he still loves this club," Klopp said. "No problem."

He continued, "Maybe a few of you were split for a few weeks with friends or your wife, but if you ignore those weeks it is fine."

Liverpool fans might not believe it until they see Coutinho put in a great performance for the club. But they'll have to wait until at least Wednesday for that.

Classic highlight of the day

Here's Liverpool pulling off a two-goal comeback to beat Manchester City 3-2 in 2008.

In the news

Inter Milan legend Esteban Cambiasso has retired. (Football Italia)

The Premier League will close its transfer window before the season starts in 2018-19. (The Short Fuse)

Three weeks ago, I wrote that this would prove to be a big mistake if other leagues didn't follow suit.

Well, the Bundesliga has offered vocal support for the idea, and other leagues are discussing it. (ESPN FC)

Bibiana Steinhaus is going to be the first female referee in the Bundesliga. (Bavarian Football Works)

One transfer window that's still open: Turkey. Fenerbahce is signing Vincent Janssen on loan from Tottenham. (@Fenerbahce)

La Liga is planning to play league matches abroad in the United States and China. (Guardian)

Barcelona's getting closer to a vote of no confidence in president Josep Bartomeu and a new election. (Barca Blaugranes)

The retractable pitch at Tottenham's new stadium is amazing. (Cartilage Free Captain)

You should be reading

Zito Madu on the Syrian national team, which shows you can't separate politics from sports.

Nick Wells on the first footballer to play professionally after a heart transplant. (In Bed With Maradona)

Matt Pearson on the rise of Western Sydney Wanderers. (The Set Pieces)

Euan Dewar on Serie A shedding its reputation as a defensive league. (Stats Bomb)

What to watch on Friday (click for listings, all times ET)

Bundesliga: Hamburg vs. RB Leipzig (2:30 p.m.) -- Both teams have started with some decent results and look like they'll be worth watching this season.

Ligue 1: Metz vs. PSG (2:45 p.m.) -- Every PSG game is worth your time.