Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Philippe Coutinho will not be available for selection for the New Year's Eve clash with Manchester City.
The Reds boss had hoped that the Brazil international would be fit enough to be in contention for the crunch Premier League match between the North West rivals, but stated that Coutinho would be absent from the game at Anfield as he continues his recovery from a foot injury.
Coutinho has been sidelined since he picked up a malleolar strain in the 2-0 home victory over Sunderland at the end of November and, despite recovering faster than anticipated, the 24-year-old will sit out the game against Pep Guardiola's men and the away trip to the Black Cats after the New Year.
Klopp on @Phil_Coutinho: "He's in a good way, but #LIVMCI is too early for him, as is #SUNLIV." pic.twitter.com/1pRkZSwGwE
Speaking at his pre-Man City press conference, Klopp said: He (Coutinho) is in a good way, but the match against Manchester City is too early for him, as is the game against Sunderland."
Coutinho had been in outstanding form for Liverpool since the start began, and had bagged six goals and six assists in just 14 appearances as the Reds made an early bid to become considered as serious title contenders this term.
The former Inter Milan starlet has missed the past six matches due to the injury he sustained against David Moyes' Sunderland, but Liverpool had not struggled as much in his absence as some had feared, with four wins accrued in all competitions since Coutinho was laid low.
Meanwhile, Klopp also confirmed that centre-back Joel Matip was not yet fit enough to return following his own lay off with an ankle injury.
The ex-Schalke defender picked up the problem in the 2-2 draw with West Ham United on December 11, and has missed the subsequent victories over Middlesbrough, Everton and Stoke City as a result.
Klopp, however, did not specify how long Matip would be ruled out for - comments which could imply that the 25-year-old could be line for a return to the first team for the game with Sunderland in the New Year.
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