Amid speculations over his future, The Telegraph are reporting that Liverpool star player Philippe Coutinho is set to miss his side’s first premier league game of the season against Watford as he struggles to overcome a back injury.
The back pain couldn’t let him feature for Liverpool in their final pre-season game against Athletic Bilbao.
Even though the Brazil international is understood to have been taking treatment at Melwood, he is yet to return to training – with just three days to go.
Jurgen Klopp will remain hopeful the Brazilian midfielder can recover in time for next week’s important Champions League playoff against Hoffenheim.
Already, both Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne have been ruled out for the game at Vicarage Road with Daniel Sturridge still in doubt after picking up an injury in the triumphant clash against Bayern Munich.
However, club captain Jordan Henderson is likely to make his first premier league appearance since February following his return from sickness.
Even if Coutinho should be up before the game against Watford, it is advisable that Klopp should keep him on the bench to rest him for the important Tuesday game against Hoffenheim for the Champions League playoffs.
Even without Phil, the game at Vicarage Road should be one Liverpool should get all three points from (considering the performances against stronger teams in the preseason friendlies).
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