Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho out for rest of 2016?

Liverpool are reportedly facing the possibility of being without playmaker Philippe Coutinho for the remainder of 2016.

The 24-year-old was stretched off in in the first half of Liverpool's 2-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday afternoon and it was initially feared that the midfielder had broken his ankle.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool are confident that Coutinho has not suffered a break, but damaged ligaments - a more likely outcome - could see the former Inter Milan attacker remain on the sidelines until next year.

The same report claims that Coutinho, who was spotted on crutches at the club's training ground on Sunday, will undergo a scan on Monday afternoon, where the full extent of the damage will be revealed.

The Brazil international has scored five goals and provided five assists in 13 Premier League appearances for the Reds this season.