Philippe Coutinho an injury doubt for Liverpool's trip to Southampton

Liverpool are sweating over the fitness of Philippe Coutinho ahead of their game against Southampton on Saturday (19 November) after the midfielder underwent a scan following his return from international duty with Brazil.

The Liverpool Echo says, the Reds star could be a doubt for the trip to St Mary's after he underwent a scan at the city's Spire hospital, which will come as a big blow to Jurgen Klopp, who is looking to maintain Liverpool's nine-game unbeaten run in the Premier League. The Merseyside club have climbed to the summit on the league table and are currently one point ahead of Chelsea in second.

Coutinho played 170-minutes of football for his national team during the international break and played key roles in both World Cup qualifying encounters to help them record wins over Argentina and Peru. He along with compatriot and Reds teammate Roberto Firmino arrived at Anfield on Wednesday night and skipped training on Thursday to continue their recovery from what was surely a long journey across continents.

The Brazilian has been in fine form for Liverpool in recent weeks which has seen him register two goals and three assists in his last three league games. The Reds midfielder's impressive form has seen him garner interest from Spanish giants Barcelona, but Klopp is confident that he can keep him at the club despite interest from outside.

Coutinho's absence will create a massive gap in their attack – which has scored 12 goals in their last three games - as Adam Lallana, who has also been in good form recently, is an injury doubt after limping out of England's game against Spain with a groin injury. The former Southampton midfielder is set to undergo a scan before the extent of the injury can be revealed, but is expected to miss the game against the Saints.

Georginio Wijnaldum is expected to return to the starting XI to replace the Englishman, while Coutinho's absence is likely to see Daniel Sturridge get a recall to join Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in attack.