The News Desk knows that sounds complicated, but in essence, it means that the Brazilian maestro will join Aly Cissokho and Glen Johnson on the sidelines with an estimated return to the field coming in late October. Coutinho fell to the pitch in obvious agony after a rather meaty – dare we say dirty – challenge from Swansea captain Ashley Williams during the second half bowled over the diminutive midfielder. Although he bravely tried to soldier on, he was eventually replaced by Iago Aspas. Though the news of his injury comes as a blow to Liverpool’s cause, the upcoming international break means that if all goes to plan, he should only miss four league fixtures.
The Reds meet Southampton at Anfield this weekend before a trip to Old Trafford in the Capital One Cup will see Luis Suarez return to the side after completing his ten match ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic last season. The two South Americans were in the midst of forming a formidable understanding when the Uruguayan had a momentary – some might say extended — lapse of reason ruled him out.
As a summer filled with uncertainty surrounded Suarez, many Liverpool fans feel that he now owes us a debt of gratitude and the absence of Coutinho could give him the means in which to atone – on the pitch of course. The availability of the Uruguayan striker could temper the loss of the playmaker as Liverpool travel to Sunderland and Newcastle with Crystal Palace’s first match at Anfield since being relegated on the last day of the season in May, 2005 sandwiched in between. If the clubs timeframe is correct, the Brazilian could make his return when Steve Clarke’s West Bromwich Albion makes the trip to Anfield on October, 26th which should get somewhat back up to speed before we make we travel to the Emirates Stadium for our first fixture in November.
