Jürgen Klopp has confirmed that Philippe Coutinho was only substituted against Arsenal due to cramp in his hamstring.
Coutinho was Liverpool’s standout performer against the Gunners but the Brazilian was withdrawn on 70 minutes after pulling up when put through on goal by Roberto Firmino. The immediate fear was that he would miss a long stretch of football as it seemed as though he’d injured his hamstring.
Fears were allayed for a short time when Coutinho didn’t disappear down the tunnel but rather sat on the bench with Klopp and his teammates. His withdrawal was just a precaution and Emre Can entered the fray in his place.
Klopp later confirmed in his post-match press conference that there is no injury and that Coutinho was only suffering from cramp.
The news is relieving considering the big names that Liverpool are currently missing through injury; Mamadou Sakho, Daniel Sturridge and Lucas Leiva are all sidelined and if Coutinho were to join that list it would hold severe consequences for the Reds given the midfielder’s influence on the team.
Liverpool face Burnley on Saturday and Coutinho is an important player for Liverpool and Klopp would hate to be unable to field the little magician.