Reds to discover extent of Coutinho injury on Monday
Liverpool could be without Philippe Coutinho until the New Year amid fears the Brazilian suffered ankle ligament damage against Sunderland on Saturday.
Coutinho will undergo a scan on Monday afternoon to establish the full extent of the injury, sustained in a challenge with Didier Ndong during the first half of the Reds' 2-0 win at Anfield.
And while it is unlikely that the scan will reveal a fracture, the fear is that the 24-year-old has damaged ligaments and is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Coutinho was at Melwood on Sunday on crutches, wearing a protective boot. His injury comes at a bad time for Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, with six league fixtures to come in December, including a Merseyside derby and a New Years' Eve clash with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. As it stands Coutinho is a doubt for all.
Divock Origi suffered ankle ligament damage against Everton back in April, but was back in action within a month. Liverpool will hope that Coutinho can have a similarly speedy recovery.
There was better news for Klopp with regards to Roberto Firmino, who suffered a kick to the calf against Sunderland. The forward will not require a scan in that injury, with the problem not thought to be serious.
Daniel Sturridge is still not fit enough to resume training with his own calf issue, and is unlikely to be considered for Tuesday's EFL Cup quarter final with Leeds United.
Adam Lallana is also expected to miss that game, but is making good progress after a groin problem. The England international has been training outside with fitness coach Andreas Kornmayer and is targeting next weekend's trip to Bournemouth for his return.
It is Coutinho's fitness, though, which is causing most concern at Anfield. Klopp will hope for good news from his medical department on Monday.
Source: Liverpool Echo
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