After picking up a hamstring problem during the closing stages of the resounding 4-1 win over Manchester City last weekend, it was expected that Philippe Coutinho would sit out the midweek meeting with Bordeaux in the Europa League.
Although the Reds were able to navigate the French side without missing the Brazilian too much, his influence was missed in a big way during yesterday’s narrow win over Swansea City at Anfield. It took the hosts almost an hour to register a shot on net and they were forced to rely on a James Milner penalty to secure all three-points. With a League Cup quarter-final meeting with Southampton looming large midweek, there were concerns that Coutinho would be forced to sit the trip to St. Mary’s Stadium out as well, but it sounds like he’ll be ready to go when Liverpool hit the South coast.
“I think so, yes,” said Reds boss Jurgen Klopp in his post match press call when asked if the 23-year old will be fit enough to play some part on Wednesday. “Philippe had a very intensive session yesterday but we decided two or three days ago that we didn’t want to risk [him] for this game,” explained the German manager. “Now I think he’s fit. I saw him in the dressing room and he looks good. I’ll have to talk with him tomorrow – I think he’s ready for Southampton.”
Securing two wins on the hop, Klopp will be desperate to keep this streak alive and secure a spot in the semi-finals of the League Cup. It’s been well over three-years since Liverpool last won a trophy — something the new boss, and Coutinho, will be looking to fix this season.
