Brendan Rodgers: 'Coutinho will miss West Bromwich Albion game'

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that playmaker Philippe Coutinho will not play in Saturday's visit of West Bromwich Albion.

The Brazilian was thought to be nearing full fitness after suffering a shoulder injury in the 2-2 draw with Swansea City last month.

However, the Reds boss has said that the game will come too soon for the former Inter Milan player, and instead claimed that the game against Arsenal next week is a more realistic target.

"He might just be short for this weekend," Rodgers told reporters. "He has been in the last couple of days and has looked brilliant, to be honest - like he has never been away with his flow and fluency with the ball."

"You always miss quality. He has re-joined training with the group. He's been on the field doing a lot of physical work. He has joined in with the team on a non-contact basis.

"His work has been excellent. It's great to see him back in and it's another quality player back for us."

The Reds are currently third in the Premier League.