Philippe Coutinho set for scan amid fears of ankle ligament damage

Philippe Coutinho will have a scan on his injured ankle on Monday amid fears at Liverpool that the influential Brazilian suffered ligament damage against Sunderland.

Liverpool’s commanding number 10 was taken off on a stretcher in the 34th minute of Saturday’s 2-0 win following a collision with Didier Ndong. The 24-year-old was assessed at Melwood on Sunday morning before leaving the training ground on crutches and with his right foot in a protective boot. He is due to have a scan on Monday afternoon and Liverpool suspect it will reveal ankle ligament damage.

If confirmed, the diagnosis would represent a severe setback to Jurgen Klopp with his team challenging Chelsea and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. Liverpool have six league games next month alone and a lengthy absence would deprive Klopp of his team’s most creative outlet this season.

Roberto Firmino was also injured against Sunderland but his calf problem is not believed to be serious and he has not been booked for a scan. Daniel Sturridge missed the win with a tight calf and was again absent from training on Sunday, while Adam Lallana, who has missed the past two league games because of a groin problem, is making good progress and could be in contention for next Sunday’s match at Bournemouth. Guardian service