Klopp keeps peace with Barca target Coutinho

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says Philippe Coutinho would be welcomed back into the squad because the unsettled Brazilan's attempts to force a move to Barcelona have not damaged their relationship. Coutinho handed in a transfer request earlier this month in a bid to convince Liverpool to sell him to Barca, who have had three offers for the forward rejected. The last of those bids was reported to be worth £118m (128.7m euros, $151m), but Liverpool have maintained their stance that the 25-year-old will not be sold in the current transfer window, which shuts at the end of August. With Barca reportedly ready to admit defeat for the moment, Coutinho could be forced into the awkward position of staying at Anfield in the short-term at least.

Sadio Mane is more important to Liverpool than Philippe Coutinho, says Jamie Carragher.

See why here: https://t.co/o05r9QGrAo pic.twitter.com/tFU5TOGA8a— Sky Sports PL ? (@SkySportsPL) August 22, 2017

A back injury and a bout of sickness are keeping Coutinho out of action at present, but Klopp stressed that when he is fit enough to return, there will be no attempt to send him into exile as punishment. "Of course, everything is okay between me and him. Absolutely. 100%," Klopp said on Tuesday.

Joey Barton on Philippe Coutinho: "He’s probably grown up wanting to play for Barcelona. Liverpool haven’t won a title for over 20 years." pic.twitter.com/lMBA04CsnX— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) August 21, 2017

Coutinho is yet to feature this term due to a back injury picked up in pre-season and will once again be unavailable when the Reds face Hoffenheim in the second leg of their Champions League qualifier at Anfield. "He can't start [Wednesday] because on top of that he's now ill," Klopp said.

? Back injury. ? Illness.

? Philippe Coutinho has had such an unlucky start to the season. pic.twitter.com/cjCoiuzuZR— bet365 (@bet365) August 22, 2017

"It will take time because he has not trained for a long time. I've no idea at this moment (when he will return), we would have to check when he is back." Regarding suggestions a deadline imposed by Barca to complete a transfer had now elapsed, Klopp replied: "I never give any comment to whatever's written or said but it's 100% clear that nothing's changed."

Philippe Coutinho WILL return to Liverpool after giving up on Barcelona move https://t.co/SMx9RTWS14 pic.twitter.com/nXwcHI36Ji— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) August 22, 2017

Despite Coutinho's absence, Liverpool are still expected to seal their place in the Champions League group stage on Wednesday. Holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg in Germany, Klopp has called on Liverpool fans to generate a hostile atmosphere to see his team through.

'Barcelona tell Liverpool they have until Sunday to accept £118m bid for Philippe Coutinho - or forget it'

Gossip: https://t.co/UUtHWogNZy pic.twitter.com/dvremzHndu— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 19, 2017

"The first game was good enough to get the result, the second game needs to be better," he admitted. "Anfield is a main factor, we all know it. It's a very special place.

Barcelona finally admit defeat in transfer pursuit of Liverpool forward Philippe Coutinho https://t.co/Z5w7s63pGR pic.twitter.com/t9QPAk2Hby— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) August 21, 2017

"Nothing happens by itself, we have to perform, deliver. We all know the atmosphere can and will help you. "I would be concerned if people would think it's a weak side coming from Hoffenheim. We are ready to fight."