Liverpool have missed outstanding Philippe Coutinho, says Rob Jones

Rob Jones believes Liverpool have missed Philippe Coutinho – but reckons the Brazilian’s return will give Brendan Rodgers a selection headache.

The 21-year-old playmaker hasn’t featured for the Reds since a 2-2 draw with Swansea City in early September when he was substituted with a shoulder injury following a second-half clash with Ashley Williams.

In Coutinho’s absence, Victor Moses has grown into his attacking midfield role, whilst Luis Suárez’s return has seen the Uruguayan rekindle his devastating strike partnership with Daniel Sturridge.

And former Reds defender Jones believes Rodgers will be forced to shuffle his pack to accommodate his big-name stars when Coutinho completes his recovery from a shoulder operation.

“Coutinho has been outstanding,” Jones told The Sport Review.

“It’s a pity that he picked up the [shoulder] injury. The quicker we can get him back into that role the better – Liverpool definitely perform well with him.”

He added: “We’ve definitely missed him but since Suárez has come back and linked up with Sturridge, that has worked well too.

“It looks like in the next couple of weeks, Brendan might have a bit of a headache.

“But that’s a good sign for a manager when you’re worrying about what team you’re going to play because it means you’ve got everybody fit and the good players are back.

“It’s going to be interesting in the next couple of weeks.”