Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho declares himself '100 percent fit' and says he is happy in England

Philippe Coutinho has handed Jurgen Klopp a massive fitness boost ahead of Liverpool's game against Southampton on Saturday (18 November) after declaring himself "100 percent fit" ahead of Brazil's game against England on Tuesday.

The Reds midfielder has had an injury-plagued season having made just nine appearances across all competitions. Coutinho missed the start of the season with a back injury, and his recent adductor muscle injury saw him miss Liverpool's last three games in the Champions League and the Premier League.

The 25-year-old travelled with his national team despite the injury and Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed that he was in the final phase of his recovery ahead of their game against Japan on Friday (10 November). The Selecao won 3-1 against Japan, but Coutinho played no part in the game. However, he is most likely to be involved when they take on the Three Lions at Wembley on Tuesday.

Klopp will be delighted with the Brazilian's return and any involvement against England will serve as a buildup in terms of match fitness ahead of their game against the Saints on Saturday. Moreover, their game against Southampton is followed by a difficult trip to Sevilla in the Champions League and the visit of Chelsea to Anfield.

"Unfortunately, I could not play for Liverpool in the past three games because of injury,'' Coutinho said, as quoted by ESPN.

"Now I feel 100 percent fit, I have recovered and I am in a good shape to be available for the game against England," he added. "I never want to miss any Brazil games. I am honoured to wear this shirt whenever I can.''

'Coutinho happy in England'

Coutinho was keen to leave Liverpool in the summer and join Barcelona and even handed in a transfer request. The Merseyside club, however, were adamant that he is not for sale and rejected a number of advances from the Catalan giants.

It is being reported that Barcelona are still keen on signing the Reds star and will return with a fresh offer when the transfer window reopens in January. Coutinho, meanwhile, has said that for the moment he is happy at Liverpool.

"I'm playing in one of the biggest leagues in the world,'' Coutinho added, partly addressing reports that he could leave Liverpool in January.

"I'm always happy. But now it's important to concentrate on the national team. At the moment I am very happy with my life.

"Every day, I work harder than before to improve myself and become a better all-around footballer," he concluded.