Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates 'suffers injury blow'

Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates is reportedly expecting to be on the sidelines for a lengthy period of time after picking up an injury while on international duty with Uruguay.

The centre-back, who has failed to launch himself into manager Brendan Rodgers's starting XI, is said to have damaged his anterior cruciate ligament against Japan last week.

It is believed that the 22-year-old will undergo surgery in South America on Friday after being consulted by Liverpool's medical staff, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Coates made just 12 appearances for the Reds last season.