Transfer Centre

Jurgen Klopp: 'Nothing has changed regarding Philippe Coutinho situation'

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 14 August 2017

Jurgen Klopp insists that Philippe Coutinho's absence from the 22-man squad travelling to Hoffenheim does not mean that anything has changed about his future at the club.

Jurgen Klopp has once again been forced to play down speculation about Philippe Coutinho's future at Liverpool, insisting that "nothing has changed".

The 25-year-old is heavily rumoured to be on the radar of Barcelona, who are reportedly looking for a marquee signing to replace the departed Neymar.

On Monday, Liverpool named a 22-man team for their Champions League playoff first leg against Hoffenheim which did not feature Coutinho, prompting concern from Reds fans.

However, Klopp hinted towards his absence being related to the back injury that ruled him out of Liverpool's Premier League opener with Watford at the weekend.

"Nothing has changed on one side or the other side," he said from a press conference in Germany on Monday.

"He's not available for us at the moment. That's the main issue. He cannot play for Liverpool in this moment. Everyone can imagine this is a blow for us."

According to UEFA rules, Coutinho would not be cup-tied for the rest of the Champions League if he plays in either of the games against Hoffenheim.