Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool can deal with Philippe Coutinho blow

Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool can handle the absence of injured forward Philippe Coutinho.

Coutinho was stretchered out of Liverpool's 2-0 win over Sunderland after suffering suspected ankle ligament damage when challenging midfielder Didier Ndong during the first half at Anfield.

The Brazil international underwent initial tests at Liverpool's training ground on Sunday and was sent for a scan on Monday amid fears that he could be facing surgery and a lengthy lay-off.

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However, unconfirmed reports claim the 24-year-old does not require an operation and will return in the new year.

Klopp's forward line has already been affected by the loss of Danny Ings to a season-ending knee injury, while Daniel Sturridge has a calf problem.

Liverpool's other successful creative force this season, Adam Lallana, is still not fit after a groin injury sustained on England duty, but Klopp is confident his side can cope and is refusing to look for excuses.

"Phil Coutinho is a really good football player, so if we cannot use him for the next few days or weeks each team in the world would feel it," said klopp ahead of Tuesday's EFL Cup clash with Leeds, live on Sky Sports.

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"But it is no excuse for anything. As good as he is he does not decide games by himself, although it sometimes looks like this.

"It is a team performance we create and he is a very important part of this team, absolutely. Of course we can handle it. If he is not in you have to show - and we will show.

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"Phil's not in, Adam's close but not in, Daniel's close but not in - all quality players and we miss them, but you don't look for excuses.

"We like to play football and I think the way we play it is possible without them, but it would be better when they are all fit."

Coutinho, who has been one of Liverpool's stand-out performers this season with six goals and five assists, will definitely miss Tuesday's EFL Cup clash with Leeds, and Premier League clashes with Bournemouth, West Ham and Middlesbrough.

Liverpool will also have to do without the former Inter Milan man for the Merseyside Derby on Monday Night Football on December 19 and Stoke's visit on December 27.

Should reports of a lay-off between five and six weeks prove to be true, he could have an outside chance of making the showdown with title rivals Manchester City on New Year's Eve and the clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on January 2.

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If Coutinho fails to make the showdown with City, he could instead be in line to face Liverpool's rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on January 15.