Liverpool football club’s little magician, Philippe Coutinho has some great news for Reds fans everywhere as the Brazilian has set his sight on the Manchester City game on New Year’s Eve to return back from injury.
The 24-year-old Brazilian superstar picked up an ankle injury during the first half of the 2-0 win over Sunderland in the Premier League last month and has been sidelined ever since. Coutinho was initially expected to be out until January next year, but the Brazilian’s recovery has substantially improved making his chances of playing Manchester City on the 31st of December likely.
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“This is still my hope - to return for this game [Manchester City],” 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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Before the injury setback, Coutinho was in sensational form for Liverpool and played a key role in the Reds’ rise in the Premier League this season. Coutinho has been creating and also scoring for the Reds with five goals and five assists in the Premier League so far this season.
Was worried about injury after watching videos, says Coutinho
Having already missed two Premier League games since his ankle injury, the 24-year-old could likely miss the next three as well ahead of Liverpool’s tie with Manchester City. After watching the footage of his boot clash with Didier N'Dong, Coutinho felt that he would be out for a long time until the scans of his injury were revealed.
“Straight after the game, when I first saw the pictures and videos of my injury, I was a little scared,” he said.
“But after the scans, of course it was bad, but not as bad as it could have been.
“I am happy, as it could have been a lot worse.”
Frustrated to be on the sidelines: Coutinho
In the absence of Coutinho, Liverpool have dropped five points in their last two games as they drew last week’s game against West Ham United and losing the game before that to Bournemouth FC. Despite the disappointing results, the Brazilian playmaker believes his team will bounce back in the next few games and wished that he could play and help the team.
“Obviously I have been very frustrated, because, like any player who is injured, it is tough to watch rather than play and help the team.
“The last game was a draw and not the result we wanted, but the team still has great quality, and I am certain in the next game we will come back stronger.”
Liverpool will be taking on Middlesbrough in the Premier League on Thursday before they play Everton in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park next week.
