Liverpool injury news: Philippe Coutinho in line to start, Daniel Sturridge cameo boosts chances of full return

The Brazilian playmaker returned to action with a goal against West Ham United on Tuesday night

Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho (Getty Images)

Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho may make his first Premier League appearance since early January at Aston Villa, having started and scored in Tuesday night’s FA Cup replay defeat at West Ham United.

The Brazilian playmaker, who was pulled off after 59 minutes at Upton Park, has recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in the first leg of last month’s Capital One Cup semi-final against Stoke City.

Steven Caulker is a doubt for the trip to Villa Park, after picking up a minor back injury in training earlier this week.

Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel (both hamstring) are also unavailable, meaning that Kolo Toure is likely to partner Mamadou Sakho in central defence.

Daniel Sturridge, who came off the bench against West Ham, is also in contention for Sunday’s afternoon kick-off. The England international remains unlikely to start but should play some part in proceedings.

Roberto Firmino will probably resume his role as Jurgen Klopp’s attacking focal point, having scored his fifth goal in five league appearances against Sunderland last week.

Joe Allen and Jordan Rossiter (both hamstring) will miss out.

Long-term absentees Danny Ings and Joe Gomez remain unavailable with anterior cruciate ligament injuries that are likely to keep them out for the remainder of the season.