Philippe Coutinho Returns to Full Training

With the departure of Sadio Mané to the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, Liverpool need some attacking support. That could come in the form of a signing in the January transfer window to give Jürgen Klopp another wide attacker to call upon, but the return of Philippe Coutinho is guaranteed.

The Brazilian international is back in training after injuring his ankle against Sunderland towards the end of November. Coutinho wanted to make it back in time for the New Year’s Eve clash with Manchester City but will have to settle for Manchester United instead. The 24-year-old was involved in a training session at Melwood on Friday with the first-team squad.

Lihas been in sensational form this season with five goals and five assists in thirteen league appearances across 967 minutes. As the Old Trafford crowd discovered in the Europa League last season, Coutinho can silence a home crowd with his brilliance. Coutinho is increasingly looking like the complete attacking package from the left with the ability to score, create, and dictate in crucial moments.

Liverpool managed to defeat Manchester City without him, but for Klopp to register his first league victory against Manchester United without the outstanding Mané, Coutinho's particular set of skills will be required to complete the task.