Ray Houghton has admitted that although Philippe Coutinho’s injury is a big blow for Liverpool, he feels manager Jurgen Klopp has enough options to cover the Brazilian’s absence.
Coutinho, who has been ruled out for up to six weeks after picking up an ankle injury during Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Sunderland in the Premier League last weekend, has been in fantastic form this season.
The attacking midfielder has thus far made 14 appearances in all competitions in the present campaign, scoring six times and setting up as many goals.
Amongst other games, Coutinho will miss Liverpool’s key clashes against Everton and Manchester City in the Premier League this month.
And Houghton acknowledged that while Coutinho has been a vital performer for Liverpool this season, he was quick to add that Klopp has players such as Adam Lallana, Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge at his disposal to fill in the void created by the former Inter Milan man’s injury.
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“I think it’s a big blow because he has been so consistent this season, not only scoring goals but also assisting”, he said on LFC TV.
“It looks he will be out for five weeks, big five weeks as they are a lot of big games coming up.
“Matches against Everton and Manchester City, there are other matches he is going to miss out on.
“But he has been a big player for Liverpool. But what I would say at the moment is that there are other players to come in.
“We have been missing Adam Lallana, who has been so consistent this season. Origi, who has not played much, Daniel Sturridge likewise.
“The manager has got options in that area of the field.
“Although it’s a blow, I think Liverpool can get over it with the players they have got.”
Coutinho, who joined Liverpool from Inter Milan in January 2013, has 18 caps and five goals for Brazil to his name.
