Coutinho complained of a tight hamstring in last weekend’s defeat to Burnley.
Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho celebrates
Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho is a doubt for this weekend’s trip to Tottenham in the Premier League, the Liverpool Echo reports, with manager Jurgen Klopp saying the Brazilian has a tight hamstring.
Coutinho is said to have been feeling the muscle tightening during last week’s 2-0 defeat to Burnley in the Premier League, and was left out of the midweek EFL Cup win over Burton Albion – where the Reds were 5-0 winners.
Klopp is quoted, saying: “We left him out of training until now. We have to make a decision on Friday with what we can do with him.
Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho in action with Burnley’s Matthew Lowton and George Boyd
“It is not a situation to take any risk. We have to talk to the player.
“From the medical side, it is not a big issue, but it was big enough to leave him out of the squad for Burton.”
The Liverpool boss also said he has options in that area of the field – where Coutinho usually plays off the left flank. Roberto Firmino took up the role and found the net on Tuesday night and could do so again at White Hart Lane tomorrow lunchtime.
Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho scores with a free kick
Klopp added: “Adam Lallana can play there, Roberto Firmino can play there, Sadio Mane is back and he can play there… on the wing if you want!”
Liverpool would, of course, rather Coutinho was available. He was pictured in training with the first team yesterday suggesting he isn’t too far away from being able to play, though it was said to only be light training. He has qualities that can turn a match in Liverpool’s favour – as shown on the opening day as he found the net twice against Arsenal – that the Reds could do with in another big early season away clash.
They do still have the option of putting out a front three that could prove pretty testing for Tottenham to handle. A trio of Firmino, Sadio Mane and Daniel Sturridge provides pace, guile and plenty of goalscoring potential.
Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho celebrates
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