Philippe Coutinho Set to Start Liverpool's Game vs. Fulham, Says Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers has hinted Philippe Coutinho will start Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League tie against Fulham, suggesting the Brazilian’s return provided a silver lining during the team’s recent 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.

As reported on the Merseyside club’s official website, Rodgers believes Coutinho’s fitness provides the team with a major boost:

"

Young Philippe was excellent when he came on - wonderful feet, great on the ball and gave us a foothold in the game.

He's a player that can control a game; he has got that wonderful gift and ability to control. You saw his imagination, looking for those passes to penetrate. It's great news for us.

"

Coutinho recently recovered from a shoulder injury that kept him out for seven weeks, per the club’s report, and managed 45 minutes in a tough game against the Gunners.

Despite the 21-year-old’s passing range looking off—he found teammates with 73 percent of passes, per WhoScored—Coutinho’s creativity and imagination threatened to unlock a solid Arsenal defence.

These signs were enough for Rodgers to confirm the former Inter Milan player will make an appearance during Liverpool’s next match with Fulham, signalling the starlet’s much-welcomed Anfield return, as confirmed in the official report:

"Another good week next week and hopefully we can introduce him into the game next weekend," Rodgers said.

Liverpool centre-back Kolo Toure also hailed his teammate's presence as significant, suggesting his reappearance could have a huge impact on the remainder of the season, per John Cross of the Daily Mirror:

"I call him (Coutinho) my player, my best player, because I think he is amazing. He makes the difference," revealed Toure.

Coutinho joined Liverpool in January 2013 and has quickly become a fan favourite at the club. His direct, skilful and stylish play highlights a squad that is being built to play both effective and entertaining football.

Despite his relative lack of size, Coutinho’s fleet-footed abilities often allow him to escape from physical rivals with possession. His speedy distribution provides Liverpool with the opportunity to quickly create space, often prompting plenty of chances for Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.

The improving youngster hasn’t scored in five Premier League appearances this season, per Who Scored. However, he enjoyed a decent start to his Reds career with three goals and five assists in 13 displays last season, per ESPN FC.

Prolonged playing time against Fulham will only help Coutinho in his recovery to full fitness.

Rodgers' team are expected to easily brush Martin Jol's side away during the Nov. 9 fixture, providing Coutinho with a great chance to impress.  

Follow @Nakerman