Liverpool have been served a blow in their bid to win the Premier League with star man Philippe Coutinho ruled out for up to six weeks with an ankle injury, reports The Daily Mail.
Coutinho was stretchered off after 34 minutes in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday and there were fears the creative midfielder would be sidelined for several months following a nasty coming together with Sunderland’s Didier Ndong.
The 24-year-old’s ankle has been in a protective boot since sustaining the injury but scan results have revealed the Liverpool No.10 will not require surgery, which is a boost to Jurgen Klopp’s side given the initial fears.
However, it still means that Liverpool will not have their best player for the remainder of 2016 in which they have still have seven matches in all competitions, including a Merseyside derby and the reception of Manchester City.
Coutinho’s return should coincide with the defining period in Liverpool’s season where they play Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal in the space of seven games from January 15.
The Brazilian is currently the second highest rated player in the Premier League (7.85) after earning the WhoScored Man of the Match award four times in his 13 appearances. Only Eden Hazard has a higher rating (7.98) and has won more man of the match awards (5).
For more stats on Philippe Coutinho, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
