Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho ruled out until New Year with ankle injury

The forward had to be taken off on a stretcher after an accidental clash with Didier Ndong during the Merseyside club’s 2-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday.

Reports suggest that the 24-year-old's initial fears were realised and his lay-off is expected to be six weeks, which means he could miss eight matches for his club in a busy festive fixtures schedule.

Coutinho will miss the EFL Cup quarter-final clash with Leeds at Anfield on Tuesday plus the West Ham, Middlesbrough, Everton, Stoke, Manchester City and Sunderland Premier League games. He could also be absent for the clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford on January 15.

The Brazilian was at Liverpool's Melwood training ground on Sunday and left on crutches with his ankle in a protective boot. His absence adds to manager Jurgen Klopp's problems for the New Year with Sadio Mane, the £34million signing from Southampton, on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Senegal.

There is some good news, however, with Adam Lallana expected to return soon after injuring his groin when playing for England earlier this month.