Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho could return sooner than expected

It is understood the injury Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho sustained against Manchester City is not too serious and he could feature against Swansea next weekend.

Coutinho, who came off in the 68th minute of his side’s 4-1 Barclays Premier League victory at City on Saturday, is understood to have undergone a scan on Monday that showed he had suffered only a minor hamstring strain.

And, while it would seem unlikely he will be involved in Thursday’s Europa League home clash with Bordeaux, it now looks possible he could play a part in the league game against Swansea at Anfield three days later.

The 23-year-old Brazil international scored Liverpool’s second goal on Saturday in what was a stand-out individual performance.

The strike was his fourth goal in three appearances.