Liverpool: Philippe Coutinho sidelined for 'five to six weeks' with ankle ligament damage

The Brazilian underwent a scan on Monday to determine the full nature of his injury

Coutinho had to be stretched off following his clash with Sunderland's Didier Ndong (Getty)

Philippe Coutinho will be sidelined for 'five to six weeks' after suffering ankle ligament damage during the side’s 2-0 victory over Sunderland on Saturday, according to reports.

The Brazilian underwent a scan on Monday to determine the full nature of his injury which was sustained in a challenge with Didier Ndong during the first half of Saturday’s game at Anfield.

The Daily Mail has suggested that the player will not require surgery, however. The injury will come as a major blow to Liverpool as they prepare for the coming month which sees key games against Everton in the Merseyside derby and then Manchester City on New Year’s Eve.

Coutinho will also miss games against Bournemouth, West Ham, Middlesbrough, Stoke and Sunderland. The player now faces a race to be fit for their crunch-match against Manchester United on January 15.

Former Reds player Jamie Carragher has admitted that the side could suffer without the Brazilian.

"It could be huge. He's Liverpool's best player," Carragher said.

"I think Liverpool's XI, playing week in week out, can match up to almost any team in the league [but] have they got the squad the other sides have got? I don't think so, to be honest.

"It is a worry going forward and it will affect them."

After being stretched off during Saturday’s game, Coutinho later took to social media to thank fans for their support.

"I'd like to thank my family, fans and friends for all the positive messages, that's very important to me," he said.

Coutinho wasn’t the only one to pick up an injury in Saturday’s game. Roberto Firmino was also substituted but Liverpool have confirmed his calf strain does not require a scan.

Meanwhile, Daniel Sturridge is still not fit enough to resume training with his own calf issue and won’t be in contention for Tuesday’s home EFL Cup quarter-final with Championship outfit Leeds United.

England midfielder Adam Lallana is also set to miss the game but manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed that the player is making good progress with his groin issue.

“Adam is in very good way – close to team training,” Klopp said on Monday.