Philippe Coutinho Injury: Updates on Liverpool Star's Hamstring and Return

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp's bid to revive Liverpool's season was hit with a blow after premier playmaker Philippe Coutinho suffered a hamstring injury against Stoke City on Jan. 5. However, he is now fit for competitive action.

Continue for updates.

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Coutinho Returns vs. Hammers

Tuesday, Feb. 9

Coutinho was named in Liverpool's starting lineup for the 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round replay defeat to West Ham United.

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Klopp Dependent on Coutinho

Losing the mercurial maestro who so often adds a flourish to the Reds attack must have been galling for Klopp. Of all Liverpool's players, Coutinho has responded best to the German strategist's arrival at Anfield.

He scored twice in the club's 3-1 away win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League. The goals confirmed Coutinho's status as the focal point of a very fluid Liverpool attack.

Along with fellow creative midfielders Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana, Coutinho has formed a deadly contingent of playmakers who rotate positions, make overlapping runs and torment defences from multiple angles.

It was Coutinho and Firmino who proved that during Liverpool's 4-1 away thumping of Manchester City. The Brazilian duo each netted at the Etihad Stadium.

Coutinho has cut a frustrated figure as Klopp has struggled to find the right striker to dovetail with the Brazilian's creative flair. Daniel Sturridge and Christian Benteke have had injury problems of their own, while Divock Origi remains raw.