Klopp cautious over Coutinho Liverpool return

Jurgen Klopp is willing to play the waiting game when it comes to Philippe Coutinho’s injury return despite encouraging signs for the Liverpool playmaker.

The Reds have had to do without the Brazilian since late last month after he suffered an ankle injury in the first half against Sunderland.

The 24-year-old gave fans reason for optimism earlier this week when he said that he was targeting a playing return against Manchester City on New Year’s Eve.

(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

And while Klopp was not ruling it out, he was also quick to be the voice of reason, with the German explaining he didn’t want to cause any further harm by bringing him back early.

“It would be cool,” said Klopp of Coutinho’s possible availability for the City game. “I won’t stop him. In this moment he is improving a lot.

“He is off his crutches since the West Ham game – when we left the stadium he was walking in front without them.

“We will have to see. No idea at the moment. I never rush a player back. I’m the most patient person in Liverpool. I always wait for someone. I can’t rush it.”