LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 26, 2016: Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho Correia lies injured against Sunderland during the FA Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Jurgen Klopp confirms Philippe Coutinho ankle injury

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Philippe Coutinho suffered an ankle injury in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.

The 24-year-old was withdrawn midway through the first half at Anfield, after a strong challenge from Black Cats midfielder Didier Ndong, and was replaced by Divock Origi.

While goals Origi and James Milner sealed an excellent victory for the Reds, Coutinho’s injury served as a cloud over the result, which preserved their unbeaten run in the Premier League.

Speaking after the game, Klopp confirmed Coutinho’s issue was with his ankle, but remained optimistic over the playmaker’s recovery.

“We have to wait for the scan, what we know in this moment is it’s something with the ankle. That’s it, so we all have to wait,” he said.

“Pain gets better, in the first moment it was very painful, but already when I saw him at half-time he said it was much better.

“As I said, we have to wait. I’m quite an optimistic guy, so I hope he can train tomorrow!”


Coutinho was seen leaving Anfield on crutches, with his right foot in a protective boot, while Daniel Sturridge was absent through injury and Roberto Firmino was also withdrawn late on.

Reportedly, though, Liverpool don’t think Coutinho has suffered a fracture – which may or may not be a good thing, as ligament damage would see him ruled out for longer than a broken foot, for instance.

When asked about potential injury Firmino, Klopp said his condition was “much better than Phil,” but revealed that he had “pain in the calf.”

With Adam Lallana already sidelined, losing both Brazilians would be a bitter blow for Klopp as the Reds head into a busy December schedule.

This was only magnified as he admitted he had “no idea” when Sturridge would return from his own calf injury.

The German introduced Origi to great effect, while Sadio Mane, Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum all grew into their roles throughout the victory, highlighting the options at Klopp’s disposal.

Coutinho is likely to undergo a scan on Sunday, with further updates over his injury due in the coming days.

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