Philippe Coutinho to return for Liverpool’s League Cup clash with Southampton

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Philippe Coutinho should return from injury for Liverpool’s League Cup semi-final against Southampton on Wednesday.

The Reds head to St Mary’s for the first-leg of their semi-final showdown on Wednesday, as they look to reach the League Cup final for the second year in a row.

Everyone concerned with the club has been given a huge boost with the news that Coutinho is back fit again, following a lengthy lay-off.

The Brazilian has not featured since suffering an ankle injury against Sunderland on November 26th, with his flair and all-round influence a big loss.

In his pre-Saints press conference on Monday, Klopp confirmed that Coutinho was back in contention, although he may use him sparingly at St Mary’s.

“I think Phil is fit enough to be part of the squad. There could be minutes, how many I don’t know,” Klopp said.

“It was six or seven weeks out, that’s long. He needs minutes in training and as soon as possible minutes in games. There’s no final decision.

“He’s had his third complete session with the team, and tomorrow will be his fourth.”

Klopp also admitted Loris Karius is likely to start in goal again, having played against Plymouth Argyle on Sunday, with the Liverpool manager discussing the importance of the League Cup and defending his team selection against Plymouth.

“We are used to congestion. Now we’ve got one game more, that doesn’t make too much difference”, he added, referring to the upcoming replay against the Pilgrims.

“As long as you’re involved [in the League Cup], it’s the most important cup you can imagine. If you want to talk about intensity, Southampton had a more intense time than we did.

“There’s no final decision, but it’s pretty likely that Loris [Karius] plays again. It makes sense, it’s fair.

“I don’t expect fairness in judgement. It was clear before the game, if you win it’s wonderful because you have the youngest lineup ever.

“That was the lineup we should have chosen. I could explain each single change, I don’t want to but I could.”