Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho stretchered off at half-time against Sunderland

Philippe Coutinho has given Liverpool fans a major injury scare after he was forced off on a stretcher during the first-half of their Premier League clash with Sunderland on Saturday (26 November).

Coutinho, 24, appeared to pick up the knock kicking the boot of Didier N'Dong during a coming together with the Sunderland midfielder, immediately dropping to the pitch in agony. A stretcher was immediately summoned with the Brazilian's right leg placed in a protective cast before he was carried off by medical staff.

Dicok Origi came on to replace the attacking midfielder after 34 minutes with the game still goalless.

Coutinho has been in splendid form for Liverpool this season, having scored six goals and laid on six assists in all competitions this season. Liverpool now face a nervous wait to learn the extent of the injury with the busy festive period looming large.

Liverpool started the match unchanged from their goalless draw with Southampton last week with both Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge ruled out.

Lallana suffered a groin injury during England's friendly international with Spain during the recent international break while Sturridge is carrying a calf injury.