Liverpool name Philippe Coutinho in their 25-man squad

Liverpool, Sep 2: Liverpool have added Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho in their 25-man Premier League squad. The number ten was out of the squad so far after putting a transfer request but Liverpool have finally made him eligible to play for them.

Despite Barcelona's immense interest in Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho throughout the summer, Liverpool managed to retain their priced asset which is a massive statement from the Merseyside club.

The relationship between Coutinho and the club has become much sour in the last month. From the most beloved player at Anfield, he has also become a notorious figure for the fans now and it won't be easy for him to regain his place in the fans' hearts.

The Brazilian has been linked with a move to Spanish giants Barcelona all summer but a move failed to materialise.

The Catalan club had an extra day to try and complete a deal before the Spanish transfer deadline but Liverpool stood firm in saying the player was not heading for the exit door in this window.

The Reds themselves missed out on Deadline Day deals for Virgil van Dijk and Thomas Lemar, with the latter rejecting an offer from rivals Arsenal.

Coutinho will now return to Melwood once the international break is over. A back injury has kept the 25-year-old on the sidelines for the opening weeks of the season.

However, he did feature and score for Brazil in a 2-0 win against Ecuador after magically becoming fit.

Jurgen Klopp has added the playmaker to his registered squad for the year, as the Merseyside outfit look to challenge for the title. £40m signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also on the list, as well as new additions Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson.

Liverpool have faired well without Coutinho, taking seven points from a possible nine so far. Coutinho's first appearance of the season could come at the Etihad next weekend, when Liverpool take on Manchester City.