Coutinho blow a test for Liverpool, says Origi

LIVERPOOL’S Divock Origi says his teammates must step up in the absence of Philippe Coutinho as they prepare to face Leeds United in the League Cup quarterfinals tonight.

The influential Coutinho sustained suspected ankle ligament damage during Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday and could now be out until next year.

A f ter replac i ng Cout i n ho, Or ig i scored L iver pool’s opener a nd t he Belgium striker believes t hat t here is sufficient quality in the squad to compensate for t he unavailabilit y of t heir Bra zilian ta lisman.

“It’s unfortunate with Philippe because everyone knows how good a person he is and I think he was in top form, so I hope it’s not too bad,” Origi told the Liverpool website.

“But I’m sure he will come back stronger, and I always said that we have a strong group. Everybody has to help each other.

“I’m a lways ready. I bel ieve I ca n help t he tea m a lot t his yea r a nd I believe I have t he qualities to sta rt in t his tea m.”

With Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge doubtful, and Roberto Firmino unlikely to be risked after taking a kick to his calf against Sunderland, Origi seems certain to start against Leeds.

Sturridge scored twice as Liverpool, who lost to Manchester City in last sea- son’s final, overcame Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the fourth round.

Leeds, fifth in the second-tier Championship, overcame Norwich City on penalties and are the lowest-ranked team left in the competition.

There could be an upset on the cards in tonight’s other fixture, where Premier League strugglers Hull City entertain Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle United, who are flying high at the Championship summit.

Manchester United will hope to shake themselves out of their domestic torpor on Wednesday when West Ham United return to Old Trafford just three days after the sides’ 1-1 Premier League draw there.

United have drawn their last four home league games and have scored just four goals in their last five domestic fixtures on their own patch.

Arsenal will have more of a spring in their step ahead of their home game with Southampton after beating Bournemouth 3-1 on Sunday.

Fixtures

(in Cambodian time) (2:45am) (2:45am) (2:45am) (3am)