Liverpool are busy preparing for their massive Champions League qualifier second-leg against Hoffenheim but they’re doing it without Philippe Coutinho.
The Brazilian has been suffering from a coincidently-timed sore back after handing in a transfer request on the eve of the Premier League season.
However, despite Barcelona’s efforts, it seems Liverpool are refusing to sell their star man.
But does that mean Coutinho will return to Jurgen Klopp’s squad after the transfer window closes? After all, we haven’t seen Mamadou Sakho in a red shirt since his misdemeanours last summer.
One thing is for sure, Coutinho won’t be any time soon with him still struggling with a back injury and has now picked up an illness.
When will Coutinho return?
"Phil can't start tomorrow because on top (of the back problem) he's now ill," Klopp said on Tuesday evening.
"If he started training again tomorrow it would take time (to be available for selection) because he hasn't trained for a long time.
"I have no idea in this moment (when he will play again). It depends when he's back."
Will Klopp forgive him?
But would Klopp quickly forgive Coutinho for his behaviour this summer that has no doubt impacted Liverpool's start to the new campaign?
Well, that question was put to Klopp in an interview ahead of their Champions League tie and the German manager gave a very definitive answer.
"Of course (I would welcome Coutinho back)."
Klopp's relationship with Coutinho
He was then asked about the relationship between player and manager after he handed in a transfer request the day before their opener against Watford.
"You asked is everything okay between us? I answered with of course. Yes, indeed, absolutely, 100%.”
So it seems Coutinho definitely has a future at Anfield if he wants one.
And Liverpool fans were also buoyed by a report in the Independent on Tuesday that claimed the playmaker wanted ‘clear-the-air’ talks with Liverpool after accepting that his dream move to Barca may not happen this summer.
However, Klopp was unwilling to confirm that specific report and insists nothing has changed.
"I never have any comments on whoever wrote or said anything,” he said.
"It's 100% clear that nothing has changed. My English isn't good enough to give 500 different answers to the same question."