Aston Villa's new signing Philippe Coutinho has been cleared to face Manchester United in the Premier League after completing his loan switch from Barcelona.
The 29-year-old has been in France finishing the paperwork for his work permit to return to England's top flight, and he is now able to join up with his new teammates on Wednesday.
Sky Sports News reports that Coutinho will be available to Villa on Saturday for their second clash with Ralf Rangnick's side this week, having been edged out of the FA Cup in the third round by the Red Devils on Monday evening.
Steven Gerrard is unlikely to select his former Liverpool teammate from the start this weekend, after the Brazil international suffered with coronavirus in recent weeks but he could make his debut at Villa Park from the bench.
Coutinho has joined Aston Villa on loan from Barca until the end of this season, but within the deal there is an option to buy the attacking midfielder for £33m.
The Brazilian last played in the Premier League for Liverpool in December 2017 after scoring 54 goals and providing 45 assists in 201 appearances for the Reds.
Sammy Wynne
