There is some good Christmas news for the Reds as Sky Sports claims that Philippe Coutinho has returned to training at Melwood ahead of the game against Stoke City. The Brazilian was arguably the best Liverpool player this season prior to his ankle injury against Sunderland and it was feared that the 24-year-old would be out for a long time.

Fortunately, the damage was not as bad as initially expected and Coutinho was stated for a return in the match against Manchester City at the start of the New Year. The scheduled comeback seems to be on track and with Coutinho even taking part in a few training sessions now; he could be given a few minutes on the pitch against the Potters on Tuesday night.

Liverpool haven’t been at their fluent best without Coutinho and had dropped points against West Ham and Bournemouth. Though the attack of the side was doing alright, they couldn’t keep the defence going right and conceded six goals in those two games.

Even in the games against Middlesbrough and Everton, the side couldn’t play their slick brand of attacking football and the quicker Coutinho returns to the starting XI the better it would be.

A timely return to the side from Coutinho

Talking to Skysports, Klopp Said;

“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.”

The former Inter Milan player has made Anfield his home and is considered as one of the best players in England. There was a time where he was extremely inconsistent but this season has been a different story for the Brazilian.

Coutinho had scored five goals and provided five assists before his injury against the Black Cats and if he were to return in the same vein of form, it would bode well for Klopp. There isn’t any player similar to the 24-year-old in the Liverpool side.

His slick passing, quick movement and eye for the spectacular goal make him a big threat and he had formed a great partnership with Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. But Coutinho’s return could not have come at a better time as Mane is set to play in the AFCON and will be unavailable until February at least.

The Brazilian can be the difference in a game that needs quality and magic to break the deadlock and that is something that Liverpool will need as more and more clubs look to pack their defence. The same will happen in the game against Stoke City at Anfield but the match against Manchester City is the big one.

Should Liverpool want to win that clash against Pep Guardiola, the Brazilian has to be part of the side. If he doesn’t play, it will be a massive blow for the Merseyside club as they look for a first ever Premier League title.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_qPKEMIXa0