Newcastle vs Liverpool: Reds 'too optimistic' over Philippe Coutinho recovery says Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool are likely to be without Philippe Coutinho for their Premier League clash with Newcastle United. Coutinho, 23, suffered a hamstring injury during the 4-1 victory over Manchester City on 21 November but was expected to return in time for the club's League Cup quarter-final meeting with Southampton on 1 December.

The Brazil international failed to recover in time – not that it bothered Jurgen Klopp's side, who ran out 6-1 winners – but the playmaker is unlikely to have any role to play for Sunday's trip to St James' Park.

"We were too optimistic [with Coutinho]," Klopp told a press conference, the Liverpool Echo reported. "Sometimes it happens like this. He can train nearly normally but he doesn't feel totally comfortable."

Liverpool's catalogue of injury news

Liverpool's injury problems have eased somewhat, however. Jordan Henderson, who suffered a broken foot in September, made his first appearance under Klopp when he came off the bench in the victory over Swansea City on 29 November, while Daniel Sturridge marked his latest return from injury with two goals in the 6-1 thrashing of Southampton.

"Sturridge did well in the last game," Klopp continued. "It was the plan before the game that 55 or 60 minutes would be good for him and for us. Of course, he felt each muscle after the game. That's normal. But in this moment he is available for the weekend.

"Henderson has made a big step in the last few weeks and that is the best news. He feels good and that is good for us."

Liverpool do have a handful of injury problems to contend with, however. In addition to Coutinho, defender Mamadou Sakho is expected to be ruled out for another five weeks, having joined long-term absentees Danny Ings and Joe Gomez in the treatment room.

But Klopp feels he has enough options for their upcoming schedule. "I hope it stays like this and we have more than we need. We changed six, we have some options."