Coutinho Plays Down Watford Injury, Klopp Confirms Brazilian Had a Dead Leg

Liverpool midfielder Emre Can’s stunning overhead kick secured all three-points last night as the Anfield outfit took control of their top four fate with an assured win over Watford FC, but it looked like the visitors didn’t get out of Vicarage Road unscathed with Reds talisman Philippe Coutinho hobbling off early in the first half — a scene that looked far worse than it actually was.

“He has a dead leg,” said Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, speaking to the press following the final whistle. “Hopefully it’s not too serious but of course it’s really painful and no chance [he could continue],” explained the German manager, moving to dampen concerns that the Brazilian could miss the Reds run in to the end of the campaign. “Everybody could see he tried hard, but no chance.”

After stumbling against Crystal Palace last Sunday, it looked like Liverpool would be left to rely on other results to secure a spot in next season’s Champions League, but the entire chasing pack failed to take advantage as the Manchester clubs picked up only a point a piece and both Arsenal and Everton lost. A trip to the London Stadium and a potentially tricky showdown with West Ham United is flanked by home meetings with Southampton and Middlesbrough, but the Reds go in to their final three matches of the season knowing full well that if they pick up full points in each, there’s no way they can be bumped out of the top four — a run that Coutinho can play a massive part in.

“Thanks to all for the support,” wrote the Brazilian on his official Instagram account, taking to social media to not only thank the Reds fans for their concern, but to put to rest any real questions about his fitness. “It isn’t serious,” added Coutinho, sharing a picture of himself and Can after the match and re-enforcing the bosses assurances from his post-match press conference.