Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Philippe Coutinho's hamstring injury is "more serious" than the ones suffered by defenders Dejan Lovren and Kolo Toure.
The Brazilian left the pitch during the first half of the Reds' 1-0 win over Stoke City in the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final on Tuesday.
Lovren suffered the same fate before the half-time whistle, while Toure suffered cramp in the closing stages of the match, meaning that all three players will miss Friday's FA Cup third-round tie against Exeter City.
In Thursday's press conference, Klopp revealed that Coutinho could be on the sidelines until the end of the month.
The German coach told reporters: "Coutinho is more serious than Dejan. Kolo is only cramp but it won't be possible for him to play the next game.
"Lovren should be back after the Manchester United game [on January 17]. Coutinho will need a few weeks longer."
Liverpool currently have eight players on the treatment table, five of whom are dealing with hamstring injuries.
Danielle Joynson
