Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Philippe Coutinho is “fit enough” to make his return to Liverpool’s match-day squad for their EFL Cup clash with Southampton.

The Brazilian has been absent for seven weeks after being stretched off during his side’s 2-0 victory over Sunderland last November after clashing with Didier Ndong.

Scans confirmed ankle ligament damage as Coutinho was told he could face up to six weeks on the sidelines.

Recovery has taken longer than expected, however. Coutinho missed the New Year’s Eve clash with Manchester City and was also unavailable for the return fixture against Sunderland.

But speaking ahead of Wednesday night’s game against Southampton, Klopp suggested that the influential midfielder is nearing a return to first-team football.

"I think Phil is fit enough to be part of the squad and that means there could be minutes, but it depends on the game," he said.

"It was six or seven weeks and that is long so he needs minutes in training especially but then as soon as possible minutes in games.

"No final decision has been made until now but tomorrow would be his fourth session with the team.

"It is not that many but for being in the squad it is enough."

And the side will get another lift pre-Old Trafford with Jordan Henderson set to join team training on Thursday after a heel problem.

“It’s all good,” Klopp added. “No new injuries and all the rest are on their way back."

Coutinho with Klopp (Getty)

“Milly, no issues anymore. Hendo, on a very good way, he’s really mentally strong. It’s still painful, but he’s doing well.

“We’ll see what we can do with him. Hopefully Thursday he’ll be in team training.”

Klopp is likely to restore many of his first-choice players who were rested on Sunday but he insists that is not a reflection on the youngsters, five of whom were teenagers, who toiled away against Argyle.

"The question I asked this morning in the dressing room was 'Could we have done better?' 100 per cent yes with this line-up," he said.

"I don't expect perfection but I have high expectations because I see them every day in training and I was convinced we could play really well.

Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Show all 22 1 /22 Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Loris Karius - 5 Had very little to do today with very few attacks from Plymouth. Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Trent Alexander-Arnold - 5 His inexperience stood clear today – looked lost In his own position at times. Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Joe Gomez - 5 It was a mediocre display – his job was made easier by a lack of Plymouth moves. Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Lucas Leiva - 6 Began a number of Liverpool moves and defended bravely when required. Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Alberto Moreno - 5 He made a number of good through balls, but his set pieces were all wasted. Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Emre Can - 6 Battled relentlessly and was a key element to a number of Liverpool’s moves. Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Kevin Stewart - 7 He was one of Liverpool’s only players with the confidence to pull the trigger in front of goal – even if his shooting could do with some work. Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Ovie Ejaria - 6 His vision was impressive throughout which helped Liverpool use the width to break down the Plymouth defence. Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Sheyi Ojo - 7 It was a energetic, confident display from the 19-year-old. He made a number of good runs and created some key chances. Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Divock Origi - 6 Found himself in the right place at the right time, but failed to find a final product. Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Ben Woodburn - 6 The 17-year-old made an impact whilst he was on the field. He looked confident and skillful with the ball at his feet. Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Luke McCormick - 7 It was a confident performance from the keeper, who made a number of important saves throughout. Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Gary Miller - 5 Appeared to be dragged out of his position at times, causing the defence to loss their shape. Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Yann Songo’o - 6 Was an important aerial threat for Plymouth – made a number of vital clearances and interceptions. Getty Images Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Jordan Slew - 6 Proved himself to be a threat going forward, but he gave away a number of silly fouls and could be more clinical in front of goal. Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Graham Carey - 5 Reckless in his challenges at times and wasted a number of Plymouth’s few set pieces. Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Jake Jervis - 5 A tediously mediocre performance for a man with such pace, that could have caused an upset against the Liverpool defence. Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Sonny Bradley - 7 Plymouth’s best outfield player today – brave defending and kept the Plymouth defence organised. Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Ben Purrington - 6 Cleared numerous chances away from inside the danger zone – disciplined performance overall. Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Oscar Threlkeld - 4 Failed to make an impact throughout. Looked overwhelmed at times. Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings David Fox - 5 Incredibly quiet first half, but managed to find his feet as the game progressed and was a key element to the Plymouth midfield. Liverpool vs Plymouth Argyle player ratings Paul-Arnold Garita - 6 Showed glimpses of brilliance when he used his pace and power but lacked service from the midfield.

"I have absolutely no problem with criticism but it was not about underestimating an opponent.

"It is not about young, old, whatever. It is about which line-up made the most sense because of the injury situations of the players and the timing: when do we play who?

"Now we have 18, 19 or 20 players ready for the game. A few of them played yesterday and we have to see how they react and how the other players who were not involved are."