Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Philippe Coutinho will miss Liverpool’s game with Manchester City.
Coutinho returned to training with the Reds on Thursday for the first time since he was sidelined by a back injury amid a transfer saga with Barcelona.
The Brazil international was the subject of three failed bids by Barca and submitted a transfer request in efforts to push through his Anfield exit.
But Liverpool held firm while Coutinho made his comeback during his country’s World Cup qualifying double header with Ecuador and Colombia last week.
However Klopp insists that the 25-year-old will sit out Saturday’s trip at the Etihad Stadium as he aims to redevelop his match fitness levels.
He said: “Phil came back the day before yesterday, but like Roberto [Firmino] we sent him immediately home to get some sleep.
“We had a very good talk, he was in a very good mood and training was even better.
“I decided to leave him out [against City]. We can use this four, five days for proper training.
“He could have played 15, 20 minutes but I think it makes sense, and he agreed completely.
“It was a good conversation.”