Reds wait for Phil’s big return
medics, who have insisted he is suffering with a back injury.
However, after the Samba star played – and scored – against Ecuador, there is no reason for him not to board the flight home, unless he picks up another knock against Colombia on Tuesday.
Coutinho, along with his Liverpool pal Roberto Firmino, is expected back on Merseyside as soon as realistically possible after the game in Barranquilla.
The two Kop stars will share a flight with compatriots such as Chelsea’s Willian and Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus immediately after the final whistle, the cost of which is shared between the three clubs.
If Coutinho comes through that World Cup qualifier unscathed, but decides to stay in South America, Liverpool will consider their options before making their next move.
The player will technically be in breach of his contract if he does not show up 48 hours after the final whistle blows in Colombia.
Any hope held by Coutinho and his representatives of a late move were ended when the Spanish transfer window closed late on Friday night.
That has led to Coutinho’s Brazil team- mate Neymar revealing that the Liverpool star is ‘anguished’ and ‘sad’ at not moving to the Nou Camp.
The playmaker, who was the reported subject of a £138m bid, will be accepted back into the fold by Klopp as, technically, he has done nothing wrong – and the club has accepted he had a medical complaint.
Therefore, no apology is being sought by Klopp and, if given the go- ahead by the club’s medical team, he will be free to join in with training prior to the trip to the Etihad.