Liverpool star player to miss Manchester City clash

Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho has been dropped from the squad to face rivals Manchester City on Saturday.

The 25-year-old has returned to the Merseyside club after coming off the bench twice for Brazil in FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Brazil international midfielder has missed the commencement of Liverpool’s League season with a back problem amid interest from La Liga giant FC Barcelona.

Manager Jurgen Klopp said he decided to leave Coutinho out of the squad for the Manchester City game so he can use the period for extra training.

Liverpool rejected three bids from the Catalan club for the playmaker – who had reportedly submitted a transfer request – and Klopp maintained the attacker was not for sale at any price.

Coutinho scored in a 2-0 FIFA World Cup qualifier victory over Ecuador last week Friday, and also came off the bench during Tuesday’s 1 all draw with Colombia.

The South American has resumed full training with the rest of the squad, but Jurgen Klopp said he would not play a part in Saturday’s League match at the Etihad Stadium.

The former Borussia Dortmund manager played down suggestions that the Brazilian’s failed summer move could have an impact on his state of mind.

Liverpool – who last won the League title back in 1990 – thrashed Arsenal 4-0 in their last Premier League game.