PHILIPPE COUTINHO IS fit and ready to return to the Liverpool fold for their top-of-the-table clash at Arsenal on Saturday.
The Brazilian playmaker has been out of action for around six weeks after undergoing surgery on a shoulder injury he picked up in the 2-2 draw at Swansea City in September.
Coutinho returned to training ahead of joint second-placed Liverpool’s 4-1 defeat of West Brom last weekend, and Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed the 21-year-old is available for the game against Premier League leaders Arsenal.
However, the trip to the Emirates Stadium is likely to come too soon for left-back Jose Enrique, who continues to struggle with a knee problem.
“Jose will be a question mark for the weekend, but Coutinho looks great,” said Rodgers. “He’s been given the all clear by the specialist to come in. He’s been training for the last few weeks, so he’ll be back into the squad.”
Aside from Enrique, Iago Aspas (thigh) and long-term absentee Sebastian Coates (knee), Rodgers now has a fully fit squad to choose from.
And while the Northern Irishman is pleased to have such strength in depth at his disposal, he admits keeping everyone happy can be a tough task.
However, the former Swansea City manager relishes the challenge of doing just that, and praised the attitude of those players not currently in his starting XI.
“I talk with the players with individuals and as a group. The biggest thing is identifying – and for them to recognise that you’re aware of – how hard they’re working, and how difficult it is,” Rodgers said.
“These players, players like Daniel Agger, Joe Allen, Luis Alberto, Raheem (Sterling) and boys like that – they’re working tirelessly.
“Sometimes we’re having to organise games behind closed doors, like we did the other day, to keep them up to some sort of match fitness.
“It’s something that’s part of my management. Every player here for me is very important. It’s also part of being a professional.”
