EPL 2016/17: 5 crucial players who will miss the festive season

#2 Philippe Coutinho

Coutinho was scheduled to make a comeback in the New Year’s Eve match but that looks unlikely

The diminutive Brazilian who is one of the best players in the Premier League and arguably the best player in Merseyside. The Brazilian injured his ankle in a game against Sunderland around a month ago and is expected to make it back to the team just after the festive season.

Liverpool have dropped 5 points in the absence of their little magician, which included a dramatic loss at Bournemouth, where they sorely missed the spark of magic that Coutinho provides.

The midfield star was racing to be fit by New Year, but it looks like he won’t feature for the Reds in an all-important clash near the top of the table as Manchester City visit Anfield.

The 24-year-old has a knack of scoring against the Citizens and Liverpool have looked anything but certain since his injury barring the one game against Middlesbrough. Coutinho might make it in time for the Sunderland game on the 2^nd of Jan, but even that looks unlikely at the moment.

With Liverpool having the tightest schedule in the coming season, the hole that the Brazilian leaves in the middle will not be one filled so easily come the next three games.