Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho is set to have a scan on Monday on his ankle following fears of ligament damage after the player was stretchered off the pitch during the side's clash with Sunderlandon Saturday.
The Brazilian international suffered the injury after awkwardly kicking the boot of Black Cats midfielder Didier Ndong when competing for the ball, which resulted in Coutinho being escorted from Anfield on a stretcher with his ankle in a brace.
The 24-year-old was assessed at the club's training groundMelwood on Sunday morning before leaving the training ground on crutches and with his right foot in a protective boot, and according toThe Guardian, the player will have a full scan on Monday to see the full extent of the injury.
Should there be ligament damage, it is believed that the player will have to have surgery to correct the ligaments, which wouldleavehim sidelined for an extended period of time, something which Reds fans will be wary of heading into a crucial part of the season.
Coutinho's foot after that challenge. Horrible ☹� #LIVSUN pic.twitter.com/yycAhDHuPR
Liverpool have six league games next month alone and a lengthy absence would deprive coach JurgenKlopp of his team's most creative outlet this season, and add to an already worryingly growing injury list.
Daniel Sturridge remains unfit and not ready to return to the first team squad, while Adam Lallana is also recovering from a groin injury picked up on international duty with England last week, and has not been risked for the last two league fixtures.
Another attacking option in Roberto Firmino is also said to be carrying a knock after the Sunderland clash having over-stretched his calf, but it is believed to not be as serious as first thought, and should be back in the squad for their next Premier League game away to AFC Bournemouth.