What happens now with Philippe Coutinho?
That’s the big question at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground as the Brazilian international returned to practice on Thursday ahead of Liverpool’s big matchup on Saturday at Manchester City.
Coutinho missed each of Liverpool’s first three Premier League games and the club’s two UEFA Champions League playoff matches with what manager Jurgen Klopp called a “back injury.” However, Coutinho, apparently injury-free, accepted a call-up to the Brazilian National Team and came off the bench twice for Brazil, scoring once.
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It’s possible that Klopp didn’t play Coutinho due to the 25-year-old’s transfer request, which went unheeded. Now that the club has held onto him, will Klopp put Coutinho back in the lineup?
Philippe Coutinho getting back to work at Melwood ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ZUoyTB1AOH
— Rousing The Kop (@RousingTheKop) September 7, 2017
Despite Coutinho’s absence, Liverpool has looked pretty impressive in the attack. The trio of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah combine incredible speed and technical ability that has broken down multiple defenses on their way to eight Premier League goals and 14 in all competitions.
It’s reported that Klopp is considering bringing Coutinho with him to Manchester City. If Coutinho is indeed fit, and can add even more to Liverpool’s attack, he should be welcomed back with open arms.
