Rodgers: Williams’ Challenge On Coutinho Was Clumsy

Brendan Rodgers has described Ashley Williams’ challenge on Philippe Coutinho as “clumsy” after the Brazilian was sidelined for six weeks.

The 21-year-old had to be substituted in the 55th minute of Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at the Liberty Stadium after clashing with Swansea City captain Williams.

The South American requires surgery on a shoulder injury and the Reds expect to be without the former Inter Milan playmaker for at least a month-and-a-half.

“He’s only just having it [surgery] today so the timescale from the medics is obviously up to six weeks,” Rodgers to a pre-match news conference on Thursday.

“We wouldn’t anticipate any sooner than that. It’s unfortunate for him because he’s been in great form since he came here in January.

“Hopefully we’ll get him back sooner rather than later and then he can come into the group again.

“It was one where it was more the fall than the challenge. The challenge was probably a bit clumsy but it was actually more the fall that did the damage.

“In those scenarios the bone may be bruised but unfortunately for Philippe the bone came through the muscle. That’s what the pain was and why the operation was needed.

“It’s unfortunate because he was a really pivotal player for us in the game. When he went, we lost that connection between our midfield and the front line; it disrupted our balance a bit.

“These things happen in football. Hopefully he’ll recover quickly and come back to us in good shape.

“We want to have all the best players available here that we possibly can. You want the problem, as the manager, of who to choose and especially how we’ve started.”