Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hinted Philippe Coutinho could make his first start for the club against Burnley

The German manager said that Coutinho trained exceptionally since he was back, also happy at his reception from the Anfield crowd while coming on as a sub against Sevilla in the Champions League

Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho could make his first start for Liverpool against Burnley Reuters

Philippe Coutinho is set to start his first Liverpool game this season when the Reds take on Burnley in the Premier League, according to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Coutinho could make his first start at Anfield this season after a turbulent summer disrupted by transfer speculation.

Also read: Alvaro Morata confirms Manchester United interest before completing Chelsea transfer

Coutinho was linked with Barcelona throughout the summer window after handing in a transfer request at Anfield, although a transfer to the Nou Camp failed to materialise after Liverpool refused to sell the Brazil international.

"He should be ready (to start)," Klopp said, as reported by Firstpost.

"It was really nice how the crowd welcomed him — no one was 100 percent sure about this but the Liverpool family was sensitive enough to do this and for him it was good."

"He trained outstandingly in the few sessions we've had together since he was back. His game was not perfect but that is how it is after a long break, but it helped him and us."

The playmaker should fit into the spot vacated by Sadio Mane, suspended after his sending off in their 5-0 drubbing by Man City last weekend, manager Klopp suggested on Friday, according to the BBC.

The Senegal international took a three-match ban and Coutinho looks the ideal replacement, having operated in the same left-sided role for most of last season.

The Brazil international has been eased into the first-team picture after missing the start of the campaign with a back injury but made his comeback with a 15-minute cameo in the Champions League draw with Sevilla on Wednesday.

Burnley have made a promising start to the season under manager Sean Dyche.

The Clarets are a place above Liverpool in the table and have taken four points from away games against last season's top two - Chelsea and Tottenham - so far in this campaign.

"What I really like about what Sean Dyche is doing there is that they have a clear plan - you can see it in each game," said Klopp, as per Sky Sports.

"They don't make one step left and one step right, they stick to the plan. That's so clear and difficult to play against because those players show so much desire to defend in all situations."

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