Liverpool central defender suffers injury ahead of Irons visit
Klopp – big problems at the back ahead of our visit to Anfield
Liverpool suffered another major defensive blow this evening as Fabinho was forced off during the club’s 1-0 win over bottom of the Champions League group Midtjylland.
Jurgen Klopp’s Reds won the game 2-0 but were not entirely convincing despite sitting in second place behind neighbours Everton in the Premier League.
The Reds boss however will be deeply concerned about his defensive problems as he prepares his squad for the game against the Irons this weekend,
Fabinho was forced off with what looked like a hamstring injury in the first half and, along with long term injury victim Virgil van Diljk, looks certain to miss the game.
The Brazilian, whilst sprinting back towards the hosts’ box, suddenly pulled up clutching the back of his leg, with a subsequent discussion with Liverpool’s physios having eventually seen Fabinho limp off.
His problem could not come at a worse time for Liverpool with brilliant central defender van Diljk out of action after being forced to go under the knife to correct a serious knee injury.
Joel Matip, meanwhile, has continued to toil in his efforts to regain full fitness over the early weeks of the campaign.
It all means that with Dejan Lovren having moved on to Zenit St. Petersburg during the summer, Liverpool could meet the Irons this weekend with just one fit senior central-defender – Joe Gomez – available for selection.
We are still awaiting news of whether the hugely in form Michail Antonio will be available for the weekend with some sources claiming the club will be making an official announcement in the morning.
Ironically, whether he is or isn’t, Liverpool’s problems are good news for the Irons as they head into one of the most difficult games of the season whilst on a big high from an unbeaten run of four games.
Liverpool were not entirely convincing tonight and certainly looked below their best against Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United in their last game.