Liverpool will visit West Ham United at the London Stadium, in Week 21 of the Premier League 2020-2021, Sunday (31/1/2021). The Reds-Liverpool’s nickname-in that match could not rely on Fabinho, who has not recovered from injury.
Liverpool midfielder Fabinho picked up an injury ahead of his team against Tottenham Hotspur, when the match ended for Liverpool’s 3-1 victory. The Brazilian player suffered a muscle injury and was replaced by Joel Matip, who was also injured in that match.
Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp said Fabinho was likely to miss the next two games. That means, he cannot play against West Ham and Brighton and Hove Albion.
Klopp hopes Fabinho can recover when Liverpool get strong opponents. After against Brighton, his squad will play Manchester City whose performance continues to improve.
“The problem right now is at least three games,” said Klopp quoted Reuters on Sunday (31/1/2021).
“I think Fabinho can come back against Man City,” he added.
Fabinho’s absence made Liverpool a defensive crisis. Fabinho, despite playing as a midfielder, was often given the task of being a center-back after Virgin van Dijk and Joe Gomez were injured.
Meanwhile, another senior Liverpool defender, Joel Matip is also injured. With such conditions, Klopp usually pulls Jordan Henderson backwards to become a central defender in a duet with Rhys Williams.
Klopp said that his team had very little injection of players. He said midfielder Naby Keita, who has not featured since last month against Crystal Palace, will be back in action.
Liverpool are now in fourth position with 37 points. They are pressed tightly by West Ham who are under it by two points.
