Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will have to deal with one of his best players being out of the side for a number of weeks. Philippe Coutinho injured his ligaments in the 2-0 win over Sunderland last week and the 24-year-old Brazilian had to be taken off on a stretcher but scans on Monday revealed the extent of the damage.

Injuries aren’t new for Klopp as he has seen the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Danny Ings and Joe Gomez miss large chunks of the season due to a number of injuries but none of them had been in the same form as the former Inter Milan star.

Liverpool are placed second in the table thanks to the great form of Coutinho and as the club look to play a number of tough games during the Christmas period, there were a number pundits who are worried about how the team will perform.

The Reds are also without Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino is also a doubt but Klopp was sure his side would not have an issue with the injuries, especially to Coutinho. As cited by Talksport, Klopp said:

“Phil Coutinho is a really good football player so if we cannot use him for the next few days or weeks each team in the world would feel it,” he said.

“But it is no excuse for anything. As good as he is he does not decide games by himself, although it sometimes looks like this.”

The German manager also stressed on the fact that it is a team game and stated that the side can play the same brand of football even if the players are missing.

“It is a team performance we create and he is a very important part of this team, absolutely.

“Of course, we can handle it. If he is not in you have to show – and we will show.

“Phil’s not in, Adam’s close but not in, Daniel’s close but not in – all quality players and we miss them but you don’t look for excuses.

“We like to play football and I think the way we play it is possible without them but it would be better when they are all fit.”

Coutinho to miss some important games

The Brazilian has scored five goals in the Premier League this season for the Reds and his six-week layoff means he could miss the games against Everton, Manchester City and even Manchester United which is in the middle of January.

The Reds do have some quality in their side but missing out on Coutinho’s attack will be a real test and if they can cope without him in the side, the Reds could end up winning a trophy or two.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30LopWcC020