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Klopp hesitant to rush Coutinho back to action

Action Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff Livepic

Philippe Coutinho is "fit" and "healthy" after featuring for Brazil in World Cup qualifying, but Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he won't risk the playmaker during Saturday's trip to Manchester City.

A back problem forced Coutinho to miss the Reds' first three matches of the Premier League season - all while Barcelona plotted moves in the background for the 25-year-old.

Despite Klopp's earlier claims that Coutinho wouldn't be able to train, Brazil's team doctor deemed him to be in "perfect condition to play." He subsequently made cameo appearances in qualifiers against Ecuador and Colombia.

Teammate Roberto Firmino also started for the Selecao in the 1-1 draw with Colombia, and returned to Liverpool's training ground in good shape.

Coutinho's quick turnaround, however, left some wondering whether his injury was as serious as Klopp let on.

Related: Coutinho returns to Liverpool training after failed transfer request

"Roberto played in the second game a little bit longer, but both are fit so that's cool. They're healthy so now we have to see," the German said.

"It's of course different because Phil - 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 three weeks.

"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) and we saw training this morning and thought, 'OK, maybe we should use him immediately,' because he was really good, but that doesn't make sense."

Barcelona reportedly made several attempts to pry Coutinho from Liverpool before the end of the transfer window, but ownership team Fenway Sports Group remained firm on its stance that he wouldn't be sold.

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