Jurgen Klopp confident Liverpool duo will be fit to face Manchester United despite transatlantic journey from Brazil

Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino endured a six thousand mile journey home after the Selecao's 3-0 victory over Chile in World Cup qualifying

Friday 13 October 2017 09:18 EDT
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Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are preparing to face Manchester United on Saturday
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are preparing to face Manchester United on Saturday (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

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Jurgen Klopp is confident Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino will be fighting fit for Liverpool’s clash with Manchester United on Saturday.

The pair endured a six thousand mile journey across the Atlantic this week following Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Chile in World Cup qualifying.

But Klopp says the club does everything it can to make the distance inconsequential for their international stars.

“The club does everything to bring the boys back,” Klopp explained.

“We work closely with other clubs in this region to bring all the South American players home.”

As well as the Chile fixture in Sao Paulo, Coutinho started in the goalless draw in Bolivia a few days earlier. Firmino travelled all that way for just two minutes of action as a substitute.

Both players will be crucial to the Reds’ chances of beating United and Klopp is confident they had a good journey home.

“They’ve both had a long flight, even though it was pretty comfortable I'm sure,” the German manager added.

“I wasn't in the plane but I can imagine because I saw the price. They should be OK and they are important, yes.”

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