Liverpool anticipate Philippe Coutinho will make an immediate return to action this weekend following the dead leg suffered at Watford.

Although the Brazilian was forced off early in his side’s 1-0 win at Vicarage Road, the damage is not thought to be serious. Most significantly, no scan was required with Coutinho reporting as normal to the club’s training ground.

Coutinho was in good spirits immediately after the game as the pain subsided and he will continue his recovery before Liverpool assess if he resumes training with the rest of the first team squad on Thursday.

Liverpool face Southampton on Sunday having regained the initiative in pursuit of a top four spot. Victory in their final three games would guarantee at least a Champions League play-off position.

"It's a massive win for us. We knew with the results all going our way at the weekend we had to do our job,” said goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.