Liverpool could be without Philippe Coutinho for far too long

Liverpool should soon learn the extent of the injury picked up by Philippe Coutinho on Saturday.

They are entering a crucial, and busy, period of the season and can't afford to be without him for too long. The Brazilian was stretchered off the field during the 2-0 win over Sunderland at Anfield following a challenge from Dider Ndong, and was later seen leaving the ground on crutches. According to Mail Sport, Coutinho's foot remains in a protective boot, with medical staff examining the injury on Sunday. He is expected to undergo a scan on Monday afternoon to determine the damage sustained to his ankle ligaments. Initially, Liverpool fans feared the 24-year-old had broken his ankle after pictures emerges of his foot at an unnatural angle. https://twitter.com/WijnaldumLFC/status/802538715696558080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw If the damage to the ligaments proves to be serious, Liverpool could be without their talisman in the run in to the Christmas period, with the Reds facing important matches against city local rivals Everton and potential title rivals, Manchester City before the end of 2016. Roberto Firmino, Liverpool's other on form Brazilian, also had to be substituted with a calf injury during the second half of the match. As with Coutinho, it's also too early to establish how serious an injury problem it is. Liverpool have six league games between now and the end of the calendar year, as well as a League Cup quarter-final against Leeds United on Tuesday. Catch up with this week's episode of Football Friday Live