Liverpool managing Philippe Coutinho fitness ahead of Southampton - source

Liverpool forward Philippe Coutinho is having his fitness managed to maximise his chances of being able to play against Southampton on Sunday, sources have told ESPN FC.

Coutinho, 24, was forced off early in Liverpool's 1-0 win at Watford on Monday night after suffering a "dead leg."

The Brazil international was absent from team training at Melwood on Thursday afternoon, but sources say he took part in a light session as he recovers from the knock.

Coutinho downplayed the injury after the Watford victory, saying it was not "serious," while Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hoped for a swift recovery.

In an interview published on the club's official website, Coutinho says he is hopeful that he can play in Sunday's game against Southampton.

"The injury is much better," he said. "It was a hard tackle and what happened was a dead leg. It caused a lot of pain in the area I was hit, but the pain has reduced now.

"At the moment, I am feeling very well -- the first couple of days were the most painful.

"When you have to come out of such an important [game] like this one, and when you leave that early, it frustrates you. But thanks to God it was nothing major -- just a strong tackle."

Liverpool hope to have Coutinho fit and available at Anfield on Sunday as they look to keep their Champions League qualification hopes on course.

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