Philippe Coutinho has revealed that Liverpool asked him to sit out Saturday's clash with Stoke City.

The Brazilian playmaker lost three kilograms in the days leading up to the match because of illness but came off the bench to score a vital equaliser in their eventual 2-1 win.

"They asked me to stay at home because I was not feeling well but I wanted to be here," said Coutinho.

"I wanted to be involved with the team. The manager decided [to put me on the bench] because I was not 100 per cent."

Coutinho scored his ninth Premier League goal of the season, equalling his best tally for the Reds.

"I am happy for that," he added.

"I want to keep scoring and helping my team, and keep learning from my manager."