Liverpool have this evening confirmed that Philippe Coutinho is expected to be sidelined for “between five and a few weeks” weeks with the ankle injury sustained against Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.
The rather confused prognosis arrives via a Jurgen Klopp interview on a Radio 5 live interview prior to tonight’s EFL Cup tie with Leeds United.
However, the article from the clubs states that Coutinho is set to be absent until the New Year. In all likelihood, the Brazilian will be targeting a return against Manchester United on January 14, which arrives in Gameweek 21.
The Brazilian headed into Gameweek 13 as the most popular player in Fantasy Premier League but has already been subject to significant sales – over 380,000 have already parted company since the weekend deadline, with Coutinho’s price slipping from 8.8 to 8.6.
Although there’s no doubt that Coutinho’s absence is a bitter blow to the Merseysiders and Fantasy managers alike, with clashes against Bournemouth, West Ham, Middlesbrough, Everton and Stoke in the next five fixtures, the schedule is still very much in favour of Klopp’s side.
Those kind upcoming matches may well now see Roberto Firmino emerge as the Liverpool weapon of choice – providing he shrugs off a minor calf complaint. He was unable to figure in tonight’s cup tie.
Firmino has the slight edge on his team-mate for points per match (6.1 to 6.0), whilst Sadio Mane’s 5.8 points per appearance could also persuade those keen to reinvest in the Anfield outfit. Mane does start against Leeds United.
It’s fair to say that the FPL transfer market is set to intensify, with the likes of Theo Walcott, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Pedro all building momentum in the mid-price bracket.
Similarly, Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen has also thrown his hat into the ring ahead of home encounters against Swansea, Hull and Burnley in the next four.
Those yet to acquire Eden Hazard may now feel the time is right, with the schedule smiling very kindly on Chelsea once this week’s trip to Man City has passed.
Elsewhere in London, Alexis Sanchez served a timely reminder that you get what you pay for with a brace against Bournemouth and is now just one point behind Hazard at the top of the FPL standings.
Walcott’s second-half strike also keeps him in contention. Now up to fifth in the midfield rankings, he’s produced 5.9 points per match to Sanchez’ 6.7 yet is 3.4 cheaper on the budget ahead of a trip to West Ham.
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