Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho has come out relatively unscathed after his injury against Sunderland. The 24-year-old had to be stretchered off in the game against the Black Cats in the first half and there were fears that he might have broken his ankle.

The Brazilian was hurt trying to block a clearance by Didier N’dong and it has now been reported by various outlets that Coutinho has suffered ligament damage. The former Inter Milan star underwent a scan on Monday and will be out for five to six weeks.

This does come as a massive blow for the Reds but a break could have seen him out for longer. The Brazilian does not require surgery and hopefully will be back to his best by mid-January.

“Phil has his scans this afternoon. What I can say is that it’s too long because the best thing is that he’s not out. We have to take it how it is,” manager Klopp was quoted by the Daily Mail.

Coutinho to miss big games for the Reds

The Brazilian has scored five goals and provided five assists in the Premier League this season and is set to miss a number of key games for the second-placed side in the league. Coutinho is sure to miss the Merseyside derby against Everton and also the New Year’s Eve clash against Manchester City, a team that he does have a great record against.

The City game could be a top of the table decider and losing out on the Brazilian will certainly hurt the attacking capacity of the Reds. Coutinho is in a battle against time to be fit to face another rival, Manchester United at Old Trafford.

That game is on January 15 and even Jamie Carragher fears that this loss could be huge for Liverpool in their bid for a Premier League title.

“It could be huge. He’s Liverpool’s best player,” Carragher said.

“I think Liverpool’s XI, playing week in week out, can match up to almost any team in the league [but] have they got the squad the other sides have got? I don’t think so, to be honest.

“It is a worry going forward and it will affect them.”

There still was some good news from Jurgen Klopp on the injury front though as Adam Lallana was close to returning to the first team squad. He might not be playing in the EFL Cup in midweek but the Englishman could be in the running for a place in the starting XI against Bournemouth during the weekend.

“Adam is in very good way – close to team training,” Klopp added. The German also stated that Roberto Firmino did pick up an injury but he didn’t need a scan. The former Hoffenheim striker was still in a bit of discomfort according to Klopp but should be fit for the weekend.

All eyes will be on how Liverpool progress without Coutinho, who has been their best player. This should give a chance to Daniel Sturridge or even Divock Origi but neither of them have the same ability as the Brazilian.

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