WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017, 2016: Liverpool's Roberto Firmino celebrates scoring the first goal against West Bromwich Albion with team-mate Philippe Coutinho Correia during the FA Premier League match at the Hawthorns. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino named in Brazil squad for October qualifiers

Liverpool duo Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino have once again been named in Tite’s Brazil squad, ahead of October’s World Cup qualifiers.

The Selecao take on Bolivia (October 5) and Chile (October 11) as they round off their qualifying campaign despite already having booked their place in Russia for 2018.

Tite has led Brazil to 11 wins, four draws and a single loss in the CONMEBOL group so far, and he will be looking for his side to continue their emphatic form.

While Bolivia have nothing left to play for, Chile still need to secure points to ensure their qualification for next summer’s tournament.

This guarantees a competitive clash in Sao Paulo next month, and both Coutinho and Firmino can be expected to feature.

Coutinho has been involved in every Brazil squad since the start of 2016, while his Reds team-mate has now established himself following Tite’s appointment 15 months ago.

Providing a useful alternative to Man City striker Gabriel Jesus, Firmino can hope for another productive international break, having started in last month’s 1-1 draw with Colombia.

The 25-year-old had been in every Liverpool starting lineup for the campaign until Tuesday night’s 2-0 loss to Leicester City in the League Cup third round, highlighting his importance to Jurgen Klopp.

And after a public flirtation with Barcelona, resulting in three failed bids from the Spanish club, Coutinho is now looking to reintegrate and work his way back to full fitness.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 23, 2017: Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho Correia during the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Leicester City and Liverpool at the King Power Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The hope will be that Coutinho and Firmino sit out of the clash with Bolivia, however, with the altitude in La Paz particularly draining.

Given Brazil are already qualified for the World Cup, Tite could shuffle his pack and include the likes of Fred, Diego Ribas and Diego Tardelli instead.

Coutinho and Firmino returned from the September international break on a private jet alongside City duo Jesus and Ederson, and Chelsea winger Willian, ensuring they made it back in good time.

This will likely be the case next month, too, as Klopp prepares his side for a home clash with Man United on October 14.

Before the international break, however, they will be required for upcoming clashes with Leicester (September 23), Spartak Moscow (September 26) and Newcastle United (October 1).

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