Philippe Coutinho could miss the remainder of Liverpool’s 2016 games after a nasty ankle injury.
Coutinho was carried off on a stretcher during Saturday’s victory over Sunderland, following a robust challenge from Didier Ndong.The Brazilian’s right foot remains in the protective boot he wore on leaving Anfield. Medical staff assessed the 24-year-old on Sunday.
He will have a scan this afternoon as Liverpool try to determine the extent of ankle ligament damage.
Ndong’s challenge was accidental but Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is worried at the heavy treatment his side are receiving.
‘We expected that we will win against Sunderland but also we knew it wouldn’t be easy,’ Klopp said. ‘Now we have done it but on the other side, after each game we have players with a kick here, a kick there.
‘In some cases obviously it’s more serious, but I am still hoping. I know the region where Coutinho got the kick, it’s really painful, but we need to wait for the scan.’
Klopp believes his team is now more suited to breaking down stubborn opponents.
‘There is no doubt this team is ready to play against parked buses,’ Klopp said after Divock Origi and a James Milner penalty edged Sunderland aside. Klopp was more than a touch agitated with this game still goalless late on, his prolonged display of emotion helping to whip up Anfield. Sunderland caved in, and Liverpool ended the day second in the table.
Daily Mail