For the past month, Philippe Coutinho has been unable to play for Liverpool due to a back injury. Or so he said. Not only has he missed the first three Premier League campaign matches, he also sat out both legs of the Champion's League Playoff. As he headed back to Brazil for the International Break, Manager Jurgen Klopp indicated he may be able to train with Brazil but he even doubted that. The last thing apparently Klopp expected to see would be Coutinho playing. But that seems to be exactly what will happen on Thursday when Brazil will meet Ecuador in a World Cup Qualifier.
It's been 28 days since Coutinho participated in training or football action. Granted, when the transfer market heats up many players suddenly come down with mysterious injuries and illnesses. So this is not much of a surprise. However, it is also a bit of a slap in the face to not participate at all with Liverpool only to turn around and potentially start and feature for Brazil just days later.
All indications are that Liverpool will stand firm against Barcelona's continuous attempts to sign Coutinho. If this trend plays out then the question will be what will Coutinho's next move be? Assuming he is still a Red coming Friday, will he simply return from International duty ready to play? Will he hold a grudge against Klopp and management and sulk? How will his teammates respond to his return?
Liverpool are off to a flying start to the season. If Coutinho returns and the chemistry in the lockerroom changes, all fingers will point to Coutinho. To that point, how will the fans respond to his return? The drama of the summer could linger into the fall as this soap opera shows no signs of ending.....