Philippe Coutinho gets major Liverpool boost as fresh chance eyed

Aston Villa have received a huge boost ahead of their Boxing Day game against Liverpool with Philippe Coutinho back in training and in-line to return against his former side.

Coutinho is yet to play under new Villa manager Unai emery after picking up a thigh injury in training before their 3-1 win against Manchester United at the start of November. The 30-year-old was instantly ruled out of contention for Brazil's World Cup squad and looked set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The six-week Premier League hiatus allowed Coutinho time to step up his recovery without the pressures of imminent football, and the former Reds star was pictured several times in full first-team training earlier today as the Midlands side prepare to welcome Liverpool to Villa Park.

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Villa ended the first-half of their league campaign with consecutive wins in Coutinho's absence, Emiliano Buendia proving a more than capable stand in as the Midlands club followed their win against the Red Devils with victory at Brighton & Hove Albion on the final day before the break.

Prior to injury, the Brazilian was notably out of sorts as Steven Gerrard's side faltered badly. He is yet to register a single goal or assist in the Premier League - his lack of creativity one significant factor in the club's decision to sack his former Reds teammate.

Emery will also be able to call up on a full-fit and firing Boubacar Kamara for his first Villa Park start since September. The defensive midfielder injured a knee ligament in September, returning for his side's final two games before the break - away Old Trafford and the AMEX Stadium.

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