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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp discusses Philippe Coutinho’s fitness: This was important
JURGEN KLOPP highlighted the importance of building up Philippe Coutinho’s fitness in Liverpool’s win over Plymouth.
PUBLISHED:
23:25, Wed, Jan 18, 2017
| UPDATED: 23:47, Wed, Jan 18, 2017
The Reds narrowly saw off the League Two outfit at Home Park 1-0 in their FA Cup third round replay.
Lucas Leiva’s first-half header from Coutinho’s corner split the teams and set up a fourth round tie against Wolves at Anfield for Liverpool.
Klopp named a slightly more experienced XI to the side that drew 0-0 to Plymouth less than a fortnight ago.
And it offered the chance to give Brazil international and star playmaker Coutinho a first start since November having returned from injury.
GETTY
Philippe Coutinho earned a start for Liverpool against Plymouth for the first time since November
I thought 60-65 minutes was the perfect intensity for today
Jurgen Klopp
“[He] was good,” Klopp said on the 24-year-old. “Actually, I expected you to ask me about Lucas!
“I’m happy, really happy. It was very important for us.
“I thought 60-65 minutes was the perfect intensity for today. Good for him and good for us.”
Philippe Coutinho made two substitute appearances last week following his comeback from an ankle blow suffered against Sunderland.
GETTY
Klopp must watch Coutinho's fitness with Liverpool playing five more games before February 5
Liverpool player ratings against Plymouth
Wed, January 18, 2017
Click through the gallery for the Liverpool player ratings against Plymouth
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Click through the gallery for the Liverpool player ratings against Plymouth
But both those games at Southampton in the EFL Cup and Manchester United in the Premier League only saw the attacking midfielder feature for 30 minutes.
With Sadio Mane away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Liverpool need Coutinho fully fit as quickly as possible amid their hectic January schedule.
And as Klopp revealed his delight at Coutinho’s progress, he could earn himself another start on Saturday at home to Swansea (12.30pm).
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