LIVERPOOL: Liverpool overcame the loss of Philippe Coutinho to a serious-looking first-half injury to beat Sunderland 2-0 and keep up its title challenge in the English Premier League on Saturday.

Coutinho was carried off on a stretcher in the 34th minute with his right leg in a brace after a challenge with Sunderland midfielder Didier Ndong.

Divock Origi came on as Coutinho's replacement and put Liverpool ahead in the 75th minute with a curling shot into the far corner. James Milner converted a penalty in stoppage time to seal victory after Ndong tripped Sadio Mane.

Liverpool, which started the 13th round of games in second place, has lost only once this season.

The exact nature of Coutinho's injury wasn't immediately clear.