Huge blow for Liverpool as midfielder Fabinho has been ruled our out until next year with the ankle injury he suffered against Napoli.
The Brazilian, who Jurgen Klopp refers to as his ‘Dyson’, had to be replaced after just 18 minutes of the match after falling awkwardly while challenging for the ball and was seen after the match wearing a protective boot.
It is a blow for Klopp, with his side currently two games into a run of 14 matches in just 43 days, including a run of 10 games between now and the end of December.
A statement on the club website said:
‘Liverpool can confirm Fabinho suffered ankle ligament damage during the Champions League encounter with Napoli in midweek.
‘The midfielder needed to be substituted after 18 minutes of the 1-1 draw at Anfield on Wednesday night after falling awkwardly during a challenge.
‘Further assessment on the injury has discovered Fabinho will be out of action until the New Year.
‘The Brazilian will begin a rehabilitation programme with the Reds’ medical team at Melwood as he works his way back to full fitness.’
Speaking about the loss of Fabinho during his press conference on Friday, Klopp said:
“Losing a player of the quality of Fabinho is big. Really bad.”
“It is bad news. Timeframe – we are not sure 100% but looks pretty sure he will not be involved in Christmas fixtures.
“We have to replace him and we can replace him. Now it’s important that he does the right things and is back as soon as possible.
“Until then, we have to find solutions. We are not the only team with injured players and that’s what we have to deal with, and we will.”
‘When I say there is no one like him [Fabinho]. There are players with different qualities. Gini (Wijnaldum) came on in the game [against Napoli] and was brilliant.
‘(Jordan) Henderson has played that position really well. Fab could have not played all the games until March. It’s not cool but we are in contact with him. We are not thinking “how can we deal with it?”. Let’s carry on.’
The Reds have 11 games over the next 34 days in the Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup and Club World Cup.
Fabinho has started 12 out 13 league games this season and all five European fixtures.
