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Jurgen Klopp delivers Liverpool injury update on star man Philippe Coutinho
JURGEN KLOPP says he will not rush Philippe Coutinho back to full fitness as the Liverpool star continues his recovery from an ankle injury.
Ian Rush: Liverpool can cope without Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho is expected to miss most of Liverpool’s festive schedule due to an injury picked up in the 2-0 win over Sunderland last month.
The Brazilian has already been ruled out of tomorrow’s Merseyside derby, while he won’t be available for the visit of Stoke on Boxing Day.
But asked if Coutinho could return for the Anfield clash with Manchester City on New Year’s Eve, Klopp said: "It would be cool. He is improving a lot.”
Liverpool have endured a mixed run of results since Coutinho’s injury, dropping points to Bournemouth and West Ham before Wednesday’s 3-0 win at Middlesbrough.
But Klopp is wary of pushing Coutinho to come back before he is ready.
"He is off his crutches since the West Ham game, when we left the stadium he was walking in front without them,” Klopp added.
"We will have to see. No idea at the moment.
"I never rush a player back. I'm the most patient person in Liverpool. I always wait for someone. I can't rush it."
A win over Everton tomorrow would cut the gap on league leaders Chelsea back to six points.
Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho could be back to face Man City
Coutinho was spotted on cructhes during the home clash with West Ham
Liverpool beat Middlesbrough 3-0 on Wednesday
Earlier this week Coutinho revealed he is targeting the City clash for a return.
"This is still my hope - to return for this game," he said.
"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.”
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