Philippe Coutinho will once again be missing when Liverpool host Arsenal in Sunday’s Premier League clash at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed the Brazilian is still struggling with the same back problem that has seen him sidelined for every one of Liverpool’s games so far this season.
Coutinho’s continued absence comes amid his efforts to force a move to Barcelona, who have seen three bids for the No.10 rejected this summer.
The Reds boss did, however, issue a fairly positive update on the fitness of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Emre Can, who both picked up knocks in Wednesday’s 4-2 win over Hoffenheim.
“Trent had a little dead leg but was not too serious, Emre twisted a little bit but shouldn’t be that serious. Nothing happened yesterday, so it should be OK,” he told Liverpoolfc.com.
Discussing Coutinho, he added: “At the moment, he is in our injury list and that didn’t change. I was not in contact with the Brazilian FA so far, but like the rules are, if they want to see him and check him then he has to go there. That’s how it is.”
“I don’t know exactly but I think that will happen. Then we will do it, that’s no problem.”
Joe Gomez will likely step in to replace Alexander-Arnold at right-back, if Klopp deems it necessary to give the teenager a rest after his starring role in both legs of Liverpool’s Champions League playoff clash.
Can’s availability would be a significant boost for the Reds after his standout display in midweek and given the size of the task at hand.
Georginio Wijnaldum is also expected to be involved after the recent birth of his baby son- news that Klopp was informed of by reporters at Friday’s press conference.
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