Reports have emerged today claiming Philippe Coutinho could miss the rest of the year after picking up an ankle injury against Sunderland
Coutinho was stretchered off in the first half of the Reds’ 2-0 victory over Sunderland, after going down under a challenge from Didier N’Dong. The Brazilian later left the stadium on crutches, and Klopp was optimistic that the injury was not as bad as it was first feared.
However, according to the Mirror, Liverpool fear that the Brazilian has damaged ligaments in his ankle and is set for a lengthy absence from the squad as a result of the injury.
Exactly how badly will this impact Jurgen Klopp’s side?
The news of his injury definitely comes as a big blow to Liverpool, as Coutinho has been in brilliant form for the Reds, notching up 5 goals and 5 assists in just 12 games.
He has been a key part of a Liverpool side that have played some of the most enthralling football this season, and his chemistry with his teammates is clear for all to see. Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have been unplayable at times, with the interplay between the 3 a joy to watch.
Upsetting this smoothly-functioning attacking unit will definitely remove some of the fizz from Liverpool’s front line, but Coutinho is also key when it comes to Klopp’s famous gegenpress tactics.
Coutinho has become more hard-working under Klopp, and is fully ingrained into his tactics, always willing to chase down and harry defenders.
The Brazilian is in the Premier League’s top five players (who have played more than 500 minutes) in terms of chances created per 90 minutes (3.1), and of those players, only Chelsea’s Willian (1.8) has averaged more successful tackles per 90 than the tenacious midfielder (1.5).
His injury also comes at a bad time for Klopp, as Liverpool face a crowded December in the league, with the Reds facing Bournemouth, West Ham, Middlesbrough, Everton, Stoke and Man City. As one of the key members of Klopp’s side, Coutinho will be a huge miss to this Liverpool side.
There is no need to panic just yet, however. Sunderland parked the bus against Liverpool and the Reds still managed to find a way past Jordan Pickford, and this was after Coutinho went off.
Klopp does have some options that he can use to fill the void left by Coutinho :
Daniel Sturridge
Similarly to Origi, Klopp could decide to utilise Sturridge as the main striker while Firmino takes Coutinho’s position in the side. Sturridge has 4 goals in 10 appearances in all competitions this season, and his goalscoring ability is no secret to anyone.
However, his work-rate will be a big concern to Jurgen Klopp. Sturridge has astonishingly not made a single successful tackle for Liverpool this season, and that is simply not good enough for a striker who plays for Jurgen Klopp.
If he can bang in the goals though, Klopp could be forced to overlook the defensive weaknesses that Sturridge brings to the side.
Sheyi Ojo
Ojo was recalled from his loan at Wolverhampton last season in January, and promptly made his debut the very next day in a 2-2 draw against Exeter City. He then scored his first competitive goal for Liverpool in the replay with Exeter City, and clearly impressed Klopp in those two outings.
He went on to make 11 appearances that season, and had a very promising pre-season this year before unfortunately suffering a fracture to his back against Roma during a friendly.
Ojo has now returned to first-team training however, and could provide a timely boost for Jurgen Klopp in the wake of Philippe Coutinho’s injury. A pacy and skillful winger in the mould that Klopp favours, Ojo could provide the guile and directness that Coutinho brings.
The winger also averaged 1.1 tackles for Liverpool last season, and could prove to be a defensive asset as well – especially with Jurgen Klopp barking orders from the sidelines.
Divock Origi
Origi came off the bench to replace the injured Coutinho, and worked tirelessly against a Sunderland side that refused to budge. The Belgian broke the deadlock – with what some would argue was a cross – after whipping the ball in from the edge of the box.
Origi also works hard – which is the reason Klopp prefers him to Sturridge in most cases – and has been steadily improving under the guidance of the German. For all Origi’s industry, however, his defensive work does require some work as he is averaging a paltry 0.2 successful tackles per game this season.
Still, the Belgian covers a lot of ground and will definitely work harder off the ball than Daniel Sturridge. As the news on Firmino’s minor injury is good, Klopp will likely decide to utilise Origi as the main striker while placing Firmino in Coutinho’s position.
