Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho has returned to first-team training in the hope of making the side’s Premier League clash with Manchester United.

Coutinho has not featured for the Merseyside outfit since being forced off with an ankle ligament injury and it has taken longer than it first expected for him to appear back in training.

The 24-year-old Brazilian was hopeful of facing Manchester City on New Year’s Eve but he’s now planning on making Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI for the trip to Old Trafford on January 15.

It’s understood Klopp will not risk Coutinho against Plymouth in the FA Cup at Anfield or versus Southampton in the EFL Cup semi-final.

Daniel Sturridge, Joel Matip and James Milner are also expected to miss the cup tie with Plymouth this weekend, with the Reds set for a number of changes.

Joe Gomez, though, could make his long-awaited return after 16 months on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury.

Here are the pictures of Coutinho in training on Friday…

Coutinho trained with the likes of Divock Origi and Ben Woodburn…

Roberto Firmino joined his compatriot in training…

Alberto Moreno was involved in drills with Coutinho…