Liverpool could be without influential midfielder Philippe Coutinho this weekend after the Brazil international was pictured at hospital on Thursday ahead of the trip to Southampton.

Coutinho was pictured at Liverpool’s Spire Hospital where he was believed to have undergone a scan, and he now appears to be doubtful for Saturday’s Premier League fixture at St Mary’s. The news will be a big blow to manager Jürgen Klopp if Coutinho is ruled out, as England international Adam Lallana is already set to miss the match after limping out of the 2-2 draw with Spain with a groin injury.

Coutinho flew back from South America on Wednesday along with Liverpool teammate Roberto Firmino after the pair were involved in Brazil’s latest 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Peru, although they arrived late in the night and neither took part in training at Liverpool’s Melwood base on Thursday.

It’s believed that Coutinho underwent a scan on a minor injury that could still see him play on Saturday. If he fails to recover though, both Georginio Wijnaldum and Daniel Sturridge could be in line for recalls, with Lallana also set to miss out.

Both Coutinho and Lallana have been integral to Liverpool’s surge to the top of the Premier League table, and despite the absence of European football this season giving them an advantage on the domestic front, Klopp has been keen to play down their title chances in an effort to prevent his squad getting ahead of themselves.

Liverpool January transfer targets Show all 7 1 /7 Liverpool January transfer targets Liverpool January transfer targets Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund) The Merseyside club failed with an £11m bid for the 18-year-old striker in the summer, but may try their hand at signing him again this January. Pulisic is one of Europe's most highly-rated teenagers, having already made his international debut for the United States. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Virgil van Dijk (Southampton) It would not be a transfer window without Liverpool being linked with somebody from Southampton. This time it's Van Dijk, who has emerged as one of the Premier League's best centre-halves since arriving on the south coast from Celtic. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen) Jurgen Klopp is reportedly keen to strengthen his defence and the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back would be a good addition for the Reds. The German Tah is only 20 years of age but has impressed for both club and country this season. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Paul-Georges Ntep (Rennes) The left-midfielder’s deal at Rennes expires at the end of the season and so he will be free to sign a pre-contract in January. A strong dribbler of the ball, Ntep has been made two appearances for France. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon) Seeing as Roberto Firmino is not a natural no. 9 and Daniel Sturridge has fallen out of favour, Liverpool have been linked with several strikers including French forward Alexandre Lacazette. The Lyon striker is quick, explosive and has already reached double figures this season. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao) The Athletic Bilbao youngster signed a new contract in January with a release clause of €50m, but the rumours linking him with Anfield have not died down. The 22-year-old would certainly fit in with Jurgen Klopp’s style of play. Getty Liverpool January transfer targets Mahmoud Dahoud (Borussia Monchengladbach) Jurgen Klopp has long admired the Germany under-21 midfielder, who plies his trade with Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany. Klopp will have to do battle with former club Dortmund to sign the German, while Italian giants Juventus are also interested. Getty