LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 17, 2013: Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho Correia in action against Stoke City during the Premiership match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Philippe Coutinho to undergo surgery – out for 6 weeks

Liverpool have been dealt a major blow with the news that Brazilian attacker Philippe Coutinho will face around six weeks sidelined with a shoulder injury.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 17, 2013: Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho Correia in action against Stoke City during the Premiership match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Coutinho was forced off during the second half of Monday night’s 2-2 draw at Swansea clutching his shoulder after a challenge by Swans defender Ashley Williams.

A statement from the club on Wednesday afternoon read:

After being assessed by the Reds medical staff, it’s been decided that Coutinho will now have surgical stabilisation on the AC joint in his shoulder.

Liverpool hope to have the 21-year-old back in contention again towards the end of October.

Coutinho will miss the Premier League home games against Southampton, Crystal Palace and West Brom, and away trips to Manchester United in the League Cup, Sunderland and Newcastle Utd.

The Brazilian has been nothing short of a delight since signing for Liverpool from Inter Milan in the January transfer window, being handed the number 10 shirt and netting 3 times in 18 appearances.

His absence may give Brendan Rodgers the chance to experiment against Southampton in the Premier League at Anfield this Saturday.

Luis Alberto made his claim for a first team place by hitting a hat-trick for Liverpool’s U21 side against Sunderland U21s on Tuesday night, whilst Victor Moses had an impressive debut at the Liberty Stadium earlier in the week.

Iago Aspas will also be hoping to weave his way back into the team after being dropped from the starting line-up for the game in South Wales.

Aspas was Coutinho’s replacement in the 55th minute, but Liverpool’s performance in attack considerably stuttered following Coutinho’s withdrawal.

Liverpool vs Southampton gets underway at 3pm on Saturday, 21st September 2013. Stay tuned to This Is Anfield throughout the week for pre-match build-up and team news.

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