Liverpool continued their preparations for their clash with Tottenham at Wembley with a training session on Saturday, but with one notable absentee.
After a barren run of form which saw them win just one in eight games in all competitions, Liverpool found their scoring touch in midweek with the 7-0 thrashing of Maribor in the Champions League.
Jurgen Klopp will hope for more of the same from his players, but as seen below, and in the full gallery on the club’s official website, there was no sign of Philippe Coutinho at training on Saturday.
Further, no mention was made of the Brazilian international in Klopp’s press conference when it came to team news, and while the assumption is that he’ll be fit given no injury has been mentioned, his absence has raised question marks over his participation.
Work for Wembley continues… ? pic.twitter.com/zaLqeDfjsf
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 20, 2017
Preparing for the Reds’ return to #PL action ???? pic.twitter.com/QxV0tzctv0
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 20, 2017
In turn, with no real clarification on Coutinho’s condition being offered, it has raised concern amongst Liverpool supporters who will be hopeful that their Brazilian playmaker is available and in the starting line-up.
The 25-year-old has scored four goals and provided three assists in eight appearances so far this season, getting on the scoresheet and dishing out two assists in that impressive win over Maribor.
As a result, with Klopp seemingly finding the right balance with Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana still sidelined, the last thing that he wants is for Coutinho to join them in the treatment room.
Liverpool fans will undoubtedly be hoping that it’s nothing and he was merely left out of training as a precaution or was working away from the rest of the group. Tottenham on the other hand, will welcome any such news of a Coutinho absence with open arms ahead of the encounter on Sunday evening.
No Coutinho in training at Melwood today #LFC
— Billy Liddell (@Liddellpool) October 20, 2017
Back pain??
— Shailendra (@svkShailendra) October 21, 2017
Is Coutinho injured? Anyone? #LFC
— Josh Amobi (@JoshAmobi) October 21, 2017
Philippe Coutinho weren’t involved in Liverpool training yesterday. Will be interesting to see if he starts on Sunday.
— Anfield Express (@AnfieldExpress) October 21, 2017
I also noticed. Hope he's not injured
— Emmanuel Eyiaro (@redempireblog) October 21, 2017
Must be that backache again
— Chris Herlihy (@C_Herlihy) October 21, 2017
There has been no official word from #LFC on any injury Coutinho.
— Billy Liddell (@Liddellpool) October 21, 2017