LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 2, 2016: Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho Correia in action against Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Philippe Coutinho to return to Liverpool training on Monday after summer break

Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho will return to Melwood on Monday, to join pre-season training with his Liverpool team-mates.

The 24-year-old took up a key role in Brazil’s campaign in the Copa American Centenario, but despite his hat-trick spurring a 7-1 win over Haiti, Dunga’s side exited in the group stage.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has given his players three weeks’ holiday on the conclusion of their international duties this summer, but Coutinho was afforded extra time away from Merseyside.

But according to the Liverpool Echo, he is set to report for training at the beginning of next week.

This will ensure Coutinho is available for Wednesday night’s friendly clash away to Fleetwood Town, though it remains unclear whether he will play a part at Highbury.

Klopp deployed two lineups in Friday’s 1-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers, with fitness and sharpness key factors in his squad’s work during pre-season.

Coutinho may be given further time to get up to speed with the likes of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, who both impressed against Gary Brabin’s side at Prenton Park.

Either way, the return of Coutinho will be a boost to Klopp, with the No. 10 set to play a major role in Liverpool’s 2016/17 campaign.

The former Inter Milan midfielder has been linked with both Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona this summer, but Liverpool are insistent that he won’t be leaving Merseyside this summer.

Coutinho signed a new five-year contract in 2015, leaving the Reds in a strong position regarding his future.

The rest of Klopp’s internationals are set to return over the course of pre-season, with England quintet Nathaniel Clyne, James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge due back on July 19.

More from This Is Anfield

Fan Comments