Philippe Coutinho set to miss Liverpool's clash with Manchester City despite training and playing for Brazil as Jurgen Klopp insists it 'doesn't make sense' to rush him back

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Philippe Coutinho will not be given an instant recall to Liverpool’s team after Jurgen Klopp explained the Brazilian is short of fitness.

Liverpool’s No 10, who was the subject of persistent interest and failed bids from Barcelona through the transfer window, has not pulled on a Red shirt since playing in a friendly against Bayern Munich on August 1.

He missed the start of the season with a back problem but appeared in Brazil’s two World Cup qualifiers during the international break, scoring in the win over Ecuador.

Philippe Coutinho has yet to feature for Liverpool this term due to injury and Barcelona interest

Coutinho is unlikely to play for Liverpool against Manchester City on Saturday due to injury

Liverpool paid for his swift return from South America by laying on a private jet for him and Roberto Firmino.

Klopp spoke with Coutinho at Melwood when he returned to the club’s training facility. 

The manager insists his absence from the starting line-up at the Etihad Stadium has nothing to do with him handing in a transfer request but it is because the 25-year-old lacks the physical edge of others.

‘I know what people think but Phil had the back problem a few weeks ago and couldn’t train so that means he missed around about three weeks,’ said Klopp. 

He was put through his paces again on Thursday as he returned to training with Liverpool

Coutinho did, however, play two games for Brazil during the international window

‘Yes, he went to the national team and trained normally, but now we have to prepare for a normal season.

‘So we have seven games (before the next international break); we saw (him) in training and thought “OK! Maybe we should use him immediately” – he was really good.

'But that doesn’t make sense. We have now to continue with (his) pre-season. Not too long, but a few sessions.’

Coutinho was all smiles on his return to training as he shares a joke with Alberto Moreno

Liverpool boss Klopp revealed the creative force will not likely be playing this weekend