Phillipe Coutinho has missed the past nine Liverpool matches due to an injury -an ankle ligament damage- he suffered last year but his manager has confirmed him fit as he could make his return against The Saints in the League Cup semi-finals encounter.
The Brazilian playmaker has completed three training sessions with one final session left before they travel to St Mary’s.
However, the Reds boss admitted that the playmaker is not fully fit to start during their game to St Mary’s and so the match will serve as preparation for the game at Manchester.
“The time is not long enough for him to be 100% for Manchester United but he could play,” Klopp said.
“We have spoken before about their being a difference between being fit and being match fit but of course it’s Phil, so we want to try everything we can to bring him as close as possible to his 100%.
“In this moment I would say it makes sense for him to be involved against Southampton, in the squad, and we will see what happens there – whether we have to use him or not or whatever.
“If not, we have another three days to prepare him for United.”
Since he has not played a game for the past six weeks Klopp doesn’t want to rush him back into full games too soon and added this;
“We would only leave him out because of United if a few minutes made sense, and a few minutes for him does make sense.
“We will see if he’s ready tomorrow and on Wednesday morning. Then we will make the decision.”
Liverpool is currently five points clear of United, a gap that could increase to eight should they win against the Red Devils.
