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Philippe Coutinho is set to play for Brazil against Ecuador - despite the fact he’s been sidelined for nearly a month with an apparent back injury.

The 25-year-old hasn’t featured for Liverpool so far this season after submitting a transfer request to try to force through a move to Barcelona.

Coutinho complained of back pain after the Audi Cup clash with Bayern Munich on August 1 and hasn’t trained with Jurgen Klopp’s squad since.

Klopp stated last week that Coutinho hadn’t reported to Melwood for treatment due to a virus but his issues appear to have conveniently cleared up in time to represent his country.

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Coutinho linked up with the Brazil squad in Porto Alegre on Monday where he was assessed by their medical staff.

Brazil doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said: “From a medical point of view, Philippe is in the perfect condition to play.”

Coutinho is likely to start against Ecuador on Thursday night. Tite’s side also take on Colombia in another World Cup qualifier on September 5.

(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp expected Coutinho to link up with Brazil but indicated that he wouldn’t be fit enough to feature.

“If he goes there and can train, I don’t think he can, but they will decide,” Klopp said.

“It’s in the hands of the specific FA. They make their own decisions.

“Are we always happy with things like that? No, not always in the past. Sometimes players come back after a small injury, go to their national team and play two games. But it’s the same procedure as always.”

Liverpool have rejected three bids from Barcelona for Coutinho, the latest worth £118million. Senior Anfield officials remain adamant that Coutinho won’t be sold during this transfer window, regardless of how much Barca offer and who the Reds sign themselves.