Philippe Coutinho not ruled out of Man City game, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says
Saturday 24 December 2016 09:53, UK
Philippe Coutinho could yet return to face Manchester City on New Year's Eve despite a "reaction" during his recovery from injury.
Liverpool's playmaker has still not taken part in full training since he suffered ankle ligament damage in last month's victory over Sunderland.
Klopp is cautious about rushing back Coutinho, who will definitely miss Tuesday night's game against Stoke at Anfield, but the Reds boss is reluctant to rule his star man out of a meeting with Pep Guardiola's title rivals.
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"Unfortunately we don't have him back in [full] training. He makes his own training and that is the big difference," Klopp said. "We don't have him in full training so there is no reason to think about when he is back.
"We cannot rush the situation. We don't want to rush it. It was a serious injury and it is still so we need to wait. Whenever he is back the season is long enough that he can help us but we cannot rush it because there are a few games now.
"I don't think it will be long-term but the game everyone is dreaming of is City: it was clear from the first second of the injury this would be extremely unlikely but it was the words of Phil so we will try to do it.
"At this moment it is not more likely than before but I don't want to say it is not possible."
Daniel Sturridge is back in the reckoning following his substitute appearance in the derby win at Everton, but Joel Matip remains a doubt with an ankle injury.
Klopp confirmed Sturridge is "in good shape", but said of Matip: "I have spoken to him and he is very positive, but he is out of training and if we have other players training then we will choose them."
Liverpool will be up against old boy Joe Allen on Tuesday following his summer move to Stoke, where he has made an impact from a No 10 position.
Klopp said: "Do we miss Joe Allen? Yes. Nice guy. Unbelievable, strong player. It was a common decision. It was clear after the last two years, not being a fixed line-up player.
"He plays a little more offensive now than what he would for us. If Liverpool FC sells a player, then they have to have a real impact at their next club. If you leave us, okay, then show us what you've learned."
