Philippe Coutinho back at Liverpool training as the Brazilian steps up his recovery from an ankle injury

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There was a welcome sight at Liverpool training on Friday as creative force Philippe Coutinho returned to training.

The Brazilian hasn't played for the club since November 26 after he suffered ankle ligament damage against Sunderland, but is now back on the training field as he works towards a first-team return. 

Coutinho, 24, took part in running exercises and ball work with the rest of his team-mates, who are preparing to face Plymouth in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Philippe Coutinho (right, with Roberto Firmino) is back in training with Liverpool after injury

The Brazilian hasn't played for his club since the end of November due to an ankle problem

But he was back at Melwood on Friday and is pictured with Lucas Leiva (left) and Ovie Ejaria

The FA Cup game with Plymouth will come too soon for Coutinho, with Alberto Moreno

While manager Jurgen Klopp was pleased to see the midfielder return to training, and admitted his recovery was going well, he insisted Sunday's game with the League Two Pilgrims will come too soon.

Striker Daniel Sturridge, defender Joel Matip and James Milner will all miss the game with captain Jordan Henderson not due back until next week.

'Daniel didn't train until now,' Klopp said. 'It depends how he feels, that's how it is. It should be possible, but I'm not sure.

Coutinho, centre, runs with his team-mates on his return to training at their Melwood base

Emre Can and Daniel Sturridge battle for possession after the balls come out at training

Klopp looks on as Roberto Firmino looks to control the ball during the session at Melwood

'(Coutinho is) on a very good way but not for the weekend, and (Matip is the) same.

'Milner is better. We were lucky, we had no proper injuries after the game so that's all good, but Millie had this little issue with the calf. We were not sure, because of the intensity or whatever, that it wasn't more, but I am pretty sure we will not take the risk with him for the weekend.'

Loris Karius will be given another chance in goal as he comes in for Simon Mignolet, while Joe Gomez will make his first appearance under Klopp, after recovering from a serious knee injury.

Striker Sturridge, centre, takes part in a run with the rest of his Liverpool team-mates

Joe Gomez is set to play under Jurgen Klopp for the first time after recovering from knee injury

Loris Karius is set to get another chance in goal, where he will replace Simon Mignolet

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'It will be his first game for a long time,' Klopp said of Gomez.

'It is the next step on a long way to go. He has already had a long way but everything is good.

'It is nice for all of us because we are really happy for him. He is fit now.'

Klopp has opted to make significant changes to his side for their first FA Cup clash of the season, with the German believing doing so will help them challenge in the Premier League and in the EFL Cup, in which they face Southampton in the semi-finals.

'I know what would be the maximum success of course but I am not sure we can do it,' Klopp said. 

Klopp is set to make a number of changes to his side in a bid to keep his squad fresh

'We will work to make it a little bit more likely. We know more about us.

'At the start of the season it was imagination - we thought it could work and now we know it can work.

'Forty-four points after 20 games is a good number. Obviously the second-best in the league so that is absolutely more than okay.

'But it is only the base for the rest of the season and we have to keep on going.'

Defender Dejan Lovren keeps his eyes on the ball as he prepares to face Plymouth Argyle