Liverpool talisman Philippe Coutinho says he is feeling much better after limping off against Watford in the early stages of Monday’s game with a dead leg.
The Reds’ No.10 was replaced by Adam Lallana after just 13 minutes, but fortunately, the knock should not keep him on the sidelines for an extended time and he was involved in a light session on Thursday.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: “The injury is much better. It was a hard tackle and what happened was a dead leg. It caused a lot of pain in the area I was hit, but the pain has reduced now.
“At the moment, I am feeling very well – the first couple of days were the most painful.”
Coutinho had just been getting back to full form after his injury layoff in the winter, and seeing him depart was frustrating for fans – and the player too.
“When you have to come out of such an important [game] like this one, and when you leave that early, it frustrates you, but thanks to God it was nothing major – just a strong tackle,” he said.
“It was nothing too serious and the main thing was we won the game and we left the match very pleased and happy because the result was very good for us. The main thing was for us to come home with the three points.”
Having Coutinho available, as well as Lallana, for Sunday’s visit of Southampton to Anfield would see Jurgen Klopp have more options than in recent games where he has been forced to field an unchanged XI.
It could mean a return to the central role for Roberto Firmino, with Coutinho on the left and Lallana on the right of the front three.
Alternatively, Lallana could come into midfield, replacing Lucas Leiva and seeing Divock Origi remain in attack.
We should know more on Coutinho’s availability when Klopp addresses the media ahead of Sunday’s game on Friday morning at Melwood.
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