Liverpool hire private jet to fly Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino back for Everton game

By Nick Lustig

Tuesday 28 March 2017 17:58, UK

Liverpool will fly Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino back to England by private jet so they can prepare for Saturday's Merseyside derby, which is live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 11.30am.

The Reds pair are likely to start Brazil's World Cup Qualifier against Paraguay in Sao Paulo on Tuesday, just four days before Liverpool welcome neighbours Everton to Anfield.

With that in mind, Liverpool's owner, Fenway Sports Group, has sanctioned the rental of a private jet to ensure Coutinho and Firmino return to training with Jurgen Klopp's squad on Thursday.

It will be the second time in a matter of months that Liverpool's ownership has hired a private jet to fly a player home, having flown Sadio Mane back from the African Cup of Nations in January.

Liverpool currently sit fourth in the Premier League and victory over their local rivals would certainly help them in their bid to secure Champions League football for next season.

Everton are six points behind Liverpool in sixth place and could put themselves firmly in the mix for a top four spot if they secure their first win at Anfield since 1999.