Jurgen Klopp is happy with Philippe Coutinho's progress in his return from injury and has indicated the midfielder is likely to be in Liverpool's squad for their EFL Cup semi-final first leg clash with Southampton later this week, while remaining coy over his involvement against Manchester United.
Coutinho has been out of action since picking up an injury against Sunderland in November, something which has seen him miss seven Premier League matches for the Reds.
He has now completed three training sessions though and with a game against Manchester United looming, Liverpool are keen to see the Brazilian back on the pitch.
Klopp was asked at a press conference about Coutinho needing minutes before being able to then start in the Manchester United game, which would imply him featuring against Southampton. However, the German did not commit to what his plan for Coutinho is and said; "Phil is fit enough to be part of the squad. It could mean minutes, but it depends on the game.
"He is on a very good way. It was six, seven weeks, so that's long. So he needs minutes in training especially, but then as soon as possible minutes in games", the Liverpool boss continued.
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"We will see how we do it.
"There is no final decision made until now."
Klopp's words may indicate that if Coutinho does not clock up minutes on the pitch against Southampton he would then be less likely to start next weekend against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Klopp confirmed that he expects to start with Loris Karius between the sticks against Southampton; Karius started and kept a clean sheet in Liverpool's 0-0 draw against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup on Sunday.
"No final decision until now, but it's pretty likely Loris plays again", he said.
