adminLONDON. — Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho has returned to training and should be fit for the Reds’ trip to Arsenal next week, according to manager Brendan Rodgers.
The Brazilian has been out of action since damaging his shoulder in the 2-2 draw at Swansea in mid-September.
He required surgery to fix the problem but is now back training with his team-mates at Melwood and will be available for selection at the Emirates Stadium on November 2.
Speaking ahead of the visit of West Brom tomorrow, Rodgers said: ‘He might just be short for this weekend.
‘‘You always miss quality. He has re-joined training with the group. He’s been on the field doing a lot of physical work.
“He has joined in with the team on a non-contact basis.
‘‘I think, after the weekend, he’ll be fine. He has got really good strength in his shoulder now; it’s just getting him up to speed in training and joining the group.
‘‘He has been in the last couple of days and has looked brilliant, to be honest — like he has never been away with his flow and fluency with the ball.
‘‘His work has been excellent. It’s great to see him back in and it’s another quality player back for us.’’
Rodgers has hit back at Sir Alex Ferguson again for suggesting Jordan Henderson would struggle later in his career because of his running style.
The midfielder has been defended by his manager, who believes the right medical tests were taken on Henderson when he was signed by Kenny Dalglish in 2011.
But Ferguson believes Henderson’s gait will cause him problems later in his career because he runs from his knees with a straight back.
‘‘I’m not here to give coverage to his book. The one thing I was bitterly disappointed about were the comments about Jordan Henderson.
‘‘I have to say I thought that was inappropriate.
“Having worked with him for over a season, he is a young lad who is just trying to improve.
‘‘He comes in every single day, does his best to try to become a top player. When Kenny Dalglish signed Jordan, I thought it was a great signing.
‘‘There was a reference to his running style and his gait but you go through all the medical tests when you sign for a club.
‘‘They will have strengths and weaknesses when they arrive but they will improve. I’m sure somewhere along the line, if Sir Alex bumps into Jordan, he will apologise.’’
Rodgers also insisted he feels no need to write an autobiography, and took another swipe at Ferguson by saying he thinks the footballing world should be able to speak openly.
‘‘At this stage of my life, I have no interest in writing a book. I would like to think we could speak open and honestly.
“When it has been put to me, I’ve never been interested.’’ — Mailonline.
Online Reporter