Liverpool's Raheem Sterling charged with assault

Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling has been charged with assaulting a woman. Police say the 27-year-old woman, who is known to the footballer, was injured during the incident in November in Liverpool.

The 18-year-old Sterling, who made his England debut in November, did not attend a hearing at Liverpool Court yesterday. But Sterling's lawyer, Mick Hogan, said that the player denies the allegation and will be pleading not guilty.

Despite the alleged offence taking place when Sterling was 17, the case is being moved to the adult courts and was adjourned until 22 February.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was in court yesterday, attending the trial of his son on sexual assault charges.

Rodgers' assistant Colin Pascoe yesterday revealed new signing Philippe Coutinho will not be in the squad for Liverpool's trip to Manchester City. The 20-year-old Brazilian has briefly returned to Milan after his switch from Inter and will not return until next week.

However, Pascoe is in no doubt that the midfielder is a perfect fit for Liverpool. "What we have got there is a young talent who has played a lot for Internazionale and Espanyol," said Pascoe. "He is a young lad but what we have seen of him he can handle this type of pressure and he will be a good asset for us."