Coutinho returns to Liverpool training
Want-away Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho has returned to Melwood to begin training after playing for Brazil in two World Cup qualifiers.
Coutinho handed in a transfer request almost a month ago in an attempt to force through a move to Barcelona, who had three bids rejected after owners Fenway Sports Group insisted the 25-year-old was not for sale.
He has not yet played a match for the Reds this term because of a reported back injury but, having joined up with his national side for World Cup qualifiers, he made two substitute appearances against Ecuador and Colombia, scoring against the former.
Coutinho returned home via private jet on Wednesday with club-mate Roberto Firmino, Manchester City trio Ederson, Fernandinho and Gabriel Jesus and Chelsea’s Willian after the three Premier League clubs once again pooled their resources to ensure their players were back in the country as soon as possible.
Liverpool have confirmed he and Firmino, along with another eight returning internationals - Mohamed Salah, Ben Woodburn, Danny Ward, Dejan Lovren, Joe Gomez, Trent AlexanderArnold, Dominic Solanke and Emre Can, all attended the club’s Melwood training ground yesterday, with Senegal international Sadio Mane reporting back late on Wednesday.
With just 47 minutes of competitive action under his belt, it remains to be seen whether Coutinho will be under consideration for Saturday’s trip to Manchester City.
Woodburn returns to Melwood on the back of two impressive substitute appearances after making his senior debut for Wales.
The 17-year-old has yet to feature in Liverpool’s matchday squads so far this season.