Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says that he expects Philippe Coutinho to be fit for the Reds’Premier League fixture against Manchester City next weekend.
The Brazilian missed the New Year’s Day visit to Burnley and will also miss Friday night’s FA Cup tieagainst Everton with a thigh injury, with rumours gathering that he will move to Barcelona.
Klopp was in dismissive mood when pressed on whether the player was absent due to an impendingmove to the La Liga club.
“All the things I could say now will only create stories,” the Liverpool manager said. “I have nothingto say about it. I opened the door halfway already because I mentioned it was the transfer windowbut there is nothing I can say about it which would help me, the player or the club.
“I really have nothing to say. Maybe 80% of the cameras are here today for these answers – that’s awaste of time then.” The German coach confirmed that he expected Coutinho to play in nextweekend’s crunch game with unbeaten City at Anfield.
“I think he is in a bunch of players who should be available for the City game on 14 January.”