Coutinho ready to start against Burnley, says Klopp

Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho is ready to start for the first time this season when they host Burnley in the Premier League, manager Juergen Klopp said on Friday. After failing to complete a move to Barcelona in the transfer window, the Brazilian was back in action from the bench during Liverpool's 2-2 Champions League draw with Sevilla at Anfield on Wednesday. "You can build up, you can get minutes when you start. It's not the moment I talk about the line up of tomorrow, but he should be ready," Klopp told a news conference ahead of the Burnley game on Saturday.

Jürgen Klopp confirms Philippe Coutinho is in contention to start against @BurnleyOfficial. Full story: https://t.co/2K3OPkz5Yi pic.twitter.com/vTCmcax038

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 15, 2017

"I was really happy with how the crowd welcomed him. For him it was good. For sure, we're ready to think about him (playing Burnley). "He has trained outstanding since he's back. The (Sevilla) game was not perfect of course, but it helped him and helped us."

Klopp: "[Phil Coutinho] trained outstanding in the few sessions we had together. For sure, he's ready to think about [as a starter]." pic.twitter.com/dwsNKkHsMh

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 15, 2017

With Sadio Mane out of action following his red card against Manchester City, Klopp is considering Coutinho or new signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as a temporary solution on the left wing. "It's always difficult to replace top-class players but we did it well towards the end of last season (when Mane was out)," Klopp added. "We knew there would be moments when Sadio wouldn't play. That's why we built the squad. Roberto (Firmino), Phil and Alex can play on the left. We can change the system. We can do a lot of things."

Klopp lists Firmino, Coutinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as replacements for while Mane is suspended. pic.twitter.com/Yq1HWbE1gt

— This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) September 15, 2017

Klopp confirmed that forward Danny Ings has returned to training after recovering from a knee injury but midfielder Adam Lallana and full back Nathaniel Clyne remain on the sidelines. Burnley have beaten Chelsea and Crystal Palace in their first four league games of the season.