Philippe Coutinho is set to be available for Liverpool’s home clash with Southampton, after suffering a dead leg in Monday’s 1-0 win at Watford.
Coutinho was forced off the field after just 13 minutes at Vicarage Road, after a robust challenge from Hornets centre-back Adrian Mariappa.
Despite the playmaker telling supporters his problem was “not serious” after the game, Jurgen Klopp remained cautious, saying “hopefully it’s not too serious but of course it’s really painful.”
But according to the Telegraph, Coutinho should be passed fit to feature against the Saints on May 7.
This comes after Coutinho’s return to the Reds’ Melwood training facility, with his issue not deemed to require a scan.
A decision will be made as to whether the 24-year-old can rejoin his team-mates in training on Thursday, as Klopp plots for another three points in the top-four race.
Coutinho’s availability would be a major boost for the Reds, with just three games left to play before the end of the season.
Liverpool are currently sitting third, three points clear of fourth-placed Man City, and after they take on Southampton face clashes with West Ham and Middlesbrough.
With their 11-goal forward in tow, the Reds have an increased chance of success between now and their final game of the season on May 21.
Klopp’s options for Sunday are much improved on recent weeks, with both Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge returning to the fold after injury concerns of their own.
The England duo came on as substitutes during the victory over Watford, with Lallana replacing Coutinho, and provide Klopp with a selection quandary as prepares for the Saints.
Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi have been the German’s forward line of choice with Lallana, Sturridge and Sadio Mane absent, but he could opt to switch up his setup on Sunday.
Given the impressive form of both Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum in midfield, Lallana could come into attack, with Origi dropping out.
Alternatively, Sturridge’s bright cameo at Vicarage Road could prompt Klopp to hand the 27-year-old his sixth Premier League start of the season.
Even if Coutinho is only fit to take up a place on the bench, his fitness is less of an issue now than it would have been two weeks ago.
Nevertheless, Klopp will be eager to name his No. 10 from the start at Anfield, giving his side the best chance of taking all three points.
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