EPL 2016/17: Philippe Coutinho stretchered off injured vs Sunderland
Liverpool have been dealt a killer blow as Philippe Coutinho was taken off injured. The Brazilian hit Sunderland defender, Didier N’Dong’s leg when taking a shot at goal.
The incident happened in the 30th minute of the game and Coutinho fell flat on the floor straight away after the incident.
Coutinho's right foot was put in a brace as he was carried off on a stretcher and in pain. Everyone at Anfield rose to applaud the injured star, but there will be concerns about the Brazilian’s injury going into a busy festive period.
Divock Origi was drafted in to partner Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane up front. Liverpool are already without Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge due to injuries.
Lallana suffered a groin injury while on international duty and is yet to feature for the Reds since, while Sturridge picked up a calf strain in training during the week, and he too was unavailable for Klopp.
The Brazilian midfielder has been the Merseyside club's best player this season, and it will be difficult for the team to cope without him. With the busy festive season coming up, Liverpool look highly likely to be without their leading man for some time.
Coutinho has scored five goals and making five assists in 12 league appearances so far and has six goals and six assists in 14 appearances in all competitions for the Reds this season.
Liverpool face West Ham United, Middlesbrough, Everton, Stoke City and Manchester City in December with a trip to Sunderland to start their New Year.
The Reds are currently 2nd in the league table and are chasing their first ever Premier League title.
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