Philippe Coutinho has revealed that he is planning to return to first team action for the clash with Manchester City on New Year’s Eve. Coutinho faces a total of 6 weeks out with an ankle ligament injury obtained a fortnight ago.
That would put the Brazilian out until early January, but Coutinho told Liverpool.com that he is hoping to be back a little early for the top of the table clash at the Etihad on 31st December. “This is still my hope – to return for this game.
“The rehab is going really well. I can now walk without crutches and I am working well with the medical team. So I’m pleased with how I am recovering. Straight after the game, when I first saw the pictures and videos of my injury, I was a little scared,” he added.
“But after the scans, of course it was bad, but not as bad as it could have been. I am happy, as it could have been a lot worse. Obviously I have been very frustrated, because like any player who is injured, it is tough to watch rather than play and help the team.
“The last game was a draw and not the result we wanted, but the team still has great quality and I am certain in the next game we will come back stronger.”