Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho has been out of action since early January after injuring his hamstring against Stoke City - but how well has his side coped without his creativity?
The 23-year-old is scheduled to be back in contention for a starting place in less than two weeks as he steps up his rehabilitation programme in an important time for Liverpool who are clinging onto the fading dream of a Champions League spot.
With the Reds losing 2-0 to Leicester City in the Premier League two days ago, would having the ex-Inter Milan star in the XI have helped his side in the creative region or have the Reds done enough to keep him out of the team during his absence?
Philippe Coutinho: The missing magician
Coutinho has been one of the best January signings in recent Premier League history. He signed from Serie A giants Inter for £8.5 million in a bargain deal.
Under the stewardship of Brendan Rodgers, he became one of the most highly-rated youngsters in the world, even being shortlisted for both PFA Player's Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year awards last season.
Despite being fairly young he has been looked at to lead the Reds' forward line these past two seasons, as his ability to turn a game on its head has enabled him to be seen as the creative leader at Anfield.
With last minute goals against Bolton Wanderers and long range efforts past the likes of Manchester City and Stoke, losing his talents for the past month has been a massive blow for manager Jürgen Klopp.
The No.10 has already bagged five goals this season from 17 appearances which, in a low scoring term at L4, makes him one of the top goalscorers at the club. A hamstring injury that has sidelined him since 5th January has hampered his season as he joined 'the hamstrung seven' in the casualty room.
With Christian Benteke out of form, Daniel Sturridge out through injury troubles and Roberto Firmino still learning to adapt to English football - having Coutinho return to fitness would mean a significant attacking boost for Klopp with his side about to enter a busy period which will see them play six games in just 22 games with a League Cup final en-route.
How have they coped with his absence?
| Statistics | Phillipe Coutinho | Lucas Leiva | Adam Lallana | Joe Allen | Roberto Firmino |
| Appearances | 17 | 19 | 20 | 8 | 21 |
| Goals | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| Assists | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Chances Created | 27 | 18 | 25 | 3 | 32 |
| Passing Accuracy | 77.7% | 82.1% | 79.9% | 83% | 75.1% |
Using the table above as a guideline it is easy to see that Liverpool have missed their little gem in midfield, with just seven goals between Adam Lallana, Lucas Leiva, Joe Allen and Firmino the Brazilian's return has could not come any sooner.
With Firmino used in a more advanced 'false nine' role it is understandable that he would have created the most chances and scored more also, but the former Hoffenheim star cannot be relied upon consistently as in a league as physical as the Premier League, it is a tough place to come, especially given the small frame the 24-year-old possesses.
Lallana has failed to capitalise on a glorious opportunity to prove his place in the starting XI, the Englishman has been filling the gap but has failed to live up to the task with just one goal from 20 appearances and with the European Championships coming up this June he will need to up his game with Roy Hodgson keeping a watchful eye on his players.
Allen and Lucas are often deployed in more defensive roles looking to play the ball from further back and begin attacks that way. 'The Welsh Xavi" has improved his form as of late with a sublime equaliser against Arsenal followed by a cool winning penalty in the shoot out versus Stoke, but with just eight apperances to his name is it likely he is heading for the exit this summer?
The return of Coutinho will be a major positive in a season of few positives at Anfield, with a Capital One Cup final set to take place at the end of this month, the Brazilian will want to find his fitness and quick if he is to steal the show at Wembley.