Liverpool news: Philippe Coutinho pictured in hospital as injury fears arise ahead of Southampton encounter

Coutinho was photographed in Liverpool's Spire Hospital for what was believed to be a scan after missing training on Thursday

Philippe Coutinho went to hospital for a scan on Thursday (Getty)

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.

Coutinho has suffered from repeated hamstring injuries over the last year, having suffered three muscle strains since November 2015. He missed a month of action in January this year after suffering a hamstring issue, while he also sat out a fortnight in late November 2015. His issues cropped up again at the start of this season, although he only missed the EFL Cup victory over Burton Albion that he would have sat out regardless.