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Coutinho returns, but Firmino a doubt for Liverpool’s friendly in Helsinki

Liverpool maintained their unbeaten pre-season run with a 2-0 win against HJK Helsinki thanks to two late goals inside four minutes at the Olympic Stadium in Finland’s capital.

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The visitors – who had 18-year-old midfielder Allan on the bench following his move from Internacional – could have found themselves behind in the sixth minute when Ousman Jallow headed Atomu Tanaka’s left-wing corner over the crossbar.

That set the tone for the rest of the first-half, which proved to be a rather quiet first 45 minutes with only a few half-chances.

The Reds continued to pile on the pressure but the Helsinki defence held firm with Henderson’s 20-yarder forcing a rare save from Orlund.

And the Belgium worldwide made the most of his time on the pitch, firing in from close range with 17 minutes remaining to break the deadlock.

Brazilian Coutinho also made his first appearance of pre-season in the famous shirt, with Brendan Rodgers opting for a 4-2-3-1 formation.

The Reds looked sluggish throughout as the hosts sat deep and frustrated their more illustrious opponents.

Just minutes later, Ings was replaced by Origi, and the substitution took less than 10 minutes to take effect.

Liverpool were seeing a lot of the ball but just lacking the sharpness in front of goal.

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A short corner between Adam Lallana, Milner and the goalscorer saw the ball end up in the net, with Coutinho’s effort taking a deflection on its way in.

Liverpool labour to HJK win