Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has recently dropped a hint that Philippe Coutinho could make his first league start since November during Saturday’s match against Swansea City at Anfield.
Coutinho spent the tail end of last year sidelined due to an ankle injury. However, the 26-year old has recently made his return and played an hour in Liverpool’s FA Cup victory over Plymouth Argyle on Wednesday night.
The Reds boss Klopp has been pleased with Coutinho’s progress so far but additionally played down concerns that the Brazilian’s absence has had an adverse effect on the form of Roberto Firmino.
Klopp proclaimed that he was happy Coutinho could be given 60-something minutes in the last two games because It was really good for him. Coutinho cannot really be back on the pitch and immediately be 100%- it is not really possible.
“We have a few players who [have] played nearly every game and Roberto of course, had a few moments when he lost this ball or [maybe] didn’t score in this situation, but he does not depend on any other player. It helps the whole team when Phil is in and at his best but they like each other and everyone can benefit from Phil’s skills. Firmino has played more on the wing because Mane is not here and that changes things a little bit, but he is often enough in the right areas.”
Firmino scored five goals in 13 matches alongside Coutinho before Coutinhos injury, but he has managed just one goal in nine since.
