Brendan Rodgers offered an update on the fitness of Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho following Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat at Hull City — and confirmed Kolo Toure also picked up a knock at the KC Stadium.
Sturridge is likely to be out of action until mid-January after rolling his ankle in training on Friday and consequently missing the trip to Humberside.
Meanwhile, the Reds were also required to name Coutinho on the substitutes’ bench on Sunday after the Brazilian was unable to practice at Melwood in the lead up to the game due to a high ankle sprain.
Asked for an update on the duo’s fitness, Rodgers told his post-match press conference: “Daniel could be out now for up to eight weeks — which will be a big blow for us.
“Young Philippe never trained all week. He had a high ankle sprain and had some injections to even get on the bench today. He did quite well to even make it onto the field.
“They’re obviously two very, very good players and have been very efficient for us this season.
“But this little period now will test us. We’ve got players that will come in and it’s a great opportunity for them to stake a claim for a place in the team.
“Hopefully we get back to winning games on Wednesday [versus Norwich].”
Expanding on Sturridge’s injury, Rodgers admitted it’ll be a blow to lose the services of the England international over the busy Festive period, but called on anyone stepping up in his absence to seize their opportunity.
“He’ll be disappointed,” the Northern Irishman said. “It’s a very busy period we’re coming into and we’re a squad that needs as many of our good players as possible. It’s not ideal.
“It was an ankle sprain [in training]. He just slipped on the surface. We thought initially it was his toe and he went straight in with the medics before the end of training getting a scan. Then it came back that that’s what it was [ankle]. It’s a big blow for us.
“We’ve got other players available that will hopefully come in and stake their claim now.
“Our front area of the pitch has been reasonably settled, but this will give someone else an opportunity if they come in.”
Elsewhere, Rodgers confirmed Toure sustained a knock during the clash with Hull.
“Kolo picked up a wee bit of an injury on his hip,” he said. “We’ll see how he is.”
