- Philippe Coutinho not featured in Liverpool’s pre-Everton training snaps
- Brazilian was, however, spotted at the club’s Melwood facility
- Reds hopeful absent was part of two-day recovery approach
- SEE MORE: Allardyce promises to use familiar tactics against Liverpool
Philippe Coutinho appears to have missed Liverpool’s Friday training session ahead of Sunday’s Merseyside derby against Everton.
The Brazilian was not featured in the club’s selection of photographs, sparking concerns over his fitness ahead of this weekend’s meeting with the Toffees.
Though Liverpool’s hopes don’t rest entirely on the shoulders of Coutinho, to lose him for such a high-calibre contest would be an inevitable disruption to Jurgen Klopp’s plans.
His hat-trick in Wednesday night’s 7-0 Champions League win over Spartak Moscow served as a welcomed warning sign to Everton, and a yet another reminder that he has rediscovered his top form at the ideal time.
Here are some of the best snaps from Liverpool’s most recent session, courtesy of Liverpoolfc.com.
The likelihood at this stage is that Coutinho’s omission was nothing more than a precautionary step as part of his gradual recovery having played 90 minutes against Spartak in midweek.
Coutinho absorbed a heavy challenge to his ankle that took a few minutes to walk off on Wednesday, although it didn’t appear to trouble him for the remainder of the game.
The size of Sunday’s clash could have played a part in Klopp’s desire to grant his main playmaker the extended time to refresh.
A touch of mystery adds to the occasion somewhat.