Brazil are unlikely to use Coutinho in their first friendly against Japan on Friday, but will try to give him a run out against England on the 14th – which is Tuesday next week.
Really, if Coutinho is still injured then we don’t know why isn’t at Melwood recovering, but his country have called him up and he’s now with El Selecao.
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Thankfully though, their friendlies are in Europe, meaning he and Roberto Firmino don’t have to face the gruelling flights to and from South America.
Team doctor 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.
“He may not be able to participate [against Japan]. If he can, he could stay on the bench and play for a few minutes.
“But it’s a small chance. Our focus is to get him back for the second game.”
Phil has been excellent when available for Liverpool this term, scoring wondergoals against Leicester and Newcastle, but he’s actually only started even of our 18 games – less than half.
As a result, Mo Salah has emerged as our most important and productive player in his absence, with the Egyptian on 12 goals already.
Coutinho top scored last season with 14, so we expect the new signing to have bettered that by December.
Still, it would be fantastic for Jurgen Klopp to field all his best attackers at the same time.
Not once have we seen Coutinho, Salah, Sadio Mane, Firmino and Adam Lallana on the pitch together yet – but after the international break – we may get the opportunity.