Liverpool take on Southampton at St Mary's in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final.....
Coutinho 'fit enough' for EFL Cup squad - Klopp
Good news Liverpool fans.
Manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Philippe Coutinho is "fit enough" to be included in Liverpool's squad to play Southampton in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday.
The Brazilian forward trained again on Monday, having returned last week for the first time since suffering an ankle injury against Sunderland in November.
Klopp also said it is "pretty likely" goalkeeper Loris Karius will start against Southampton.
Klopp focused on Southampton test
More from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's pre-match news conference ahead of their EFL Cup semi-final at Southampton.
"I know everyone is thinking Liverpool v Manchester United would be a nice final but there is still a tie to play," Klopp said.
"Wednesday (will be the) best team we can line up."
Liverpool injury update
As well as positive news on Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has given an injury update on more first team players.
"Joel (Matip) took first steps in team training this morning. (James) Milner no problem anymore. Hendo (Jordan Henderson) is in a good way," the German said.
"It's all good. No new injuries and all the rest are on their way back."
Matip has been out with an ankle ligament problem since December 11, while Milner and Henderson have had calf and heel injuries respectively.
Klopp unconcerned by fixture congestion
Some more quotes from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp on his side's fixtures, with them now playing six more times in January.
As well as two League Cup semi-final ties, they also have to play another three more league games and an FA Cup replay at Plymouth after his young team drew 0-0 at Anfield on Sunday.
"Last year from October to May we had that so I'm used to it," said Klopp. "We have one game more, it was not the plan but it will not make that much difference. On Wednesday we will play the best team we can."
On the return of midfielder Philippe Coutinho, Klopp adds: "I think Phil is fit enough to be part of the squad, it means it could be (getting) minutes, but it depends on the game.
"It was six or seven weeks (since his injury) and that is a long time so he needs minutes in training but also minutes in games. It is his third complete session with the team, tomorrow will be the fourth. It is not that many, but enough to be in the squad."
Coutinho 'fit enough' for EFL Cup squad - Klopp
Good news Liverpool fans.
Manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Philippe Coutinho is "fit enough" to be included in Liverpool's squad to play Southampton in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday.
The Brazilian forward trained again on Monday, having returned last week for the first time since suffering an ankle injury against Sunderland in November.
Klopp also said it is "pretty likely" goalkeeper Loris Karius will start against Southampton.
Klopp focused on Southampton test
More from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's pre-match news conference ahead of their EFL Cup semi-final at Southampton.
"I know everyone is thinking Liverpool v Manchester United would be a nice final but there is still a tie to play," Klopp said.
"Wednesday (will be the) best team we can line up."
Liverpool injury update
As well as positive news on Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has given an injury update on more first team players.
"Joel (Matip) took first steps in team training this morning. (James) Milner no problem anymore. Hendo (Jordan Henderson) is in a good way," the German said.
"It's all good. No new injuries and all the rest are on their way back."
Matip has been out with an ankle ligament problem since December 11, while Milner and Henderson have had calf and heel injuries respectively.
Klopp unconcerned by fixture congestion
Some more quotes from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp on his side's fixtures, with them now playing six more times in January.
As well as two League Cup semi-final ties, they also have to play another three more league games and an FA Cup replay at Plymouth after his young team drew 0-0 at Anfield on Sunday.
"Last year from October to May we had that so I'm used to it," said Klopp. "We have one game more, it was not the plan but it will not make that much difference. On Wednesday we will play the best team we can."
On the return of midfielder Philippe Coutinho, Klopp adds: "I think Phil is fit enough to be part of the squad, it means it could be (getting) minutes, but it depends on the game.
"It was six or seven weeks (since his injury) and that is a long time so he needs minutes in training but also minutes in games. It is his third complete session with the team, tomorrow will be the fourth. It is not that many, but enough to be in the squad."
Comment