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Manager Jürgen Klopp was forced to substitute Joël Matip at halftime against Spurs, and fans learned post-match that centre-back partner Fabinho had also reported as injured.
While Nat Phillips did an excellent job in the second half after the side lost Matip, it’s possible that neither of Klopp’s current first-choice centre-back options will be available for the foreseeable future (though that these two are “first-choice” is itself out necessity rather than design).
The manager has ruled out Fabinho for the weekend per Paul Joyce for The Times.
Jurgen Klopp says he hopes Joel Matip injury not that serious. Scans today. Fabinho out for West Ham.
— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) January 29, 2021
Matip’s condition is more up in the air, as the club await news on the ligament injury that forced his substitution. The player could be out for some time, or he could be fit for the weekend — all fans can do at present is wait for the results of his scans and hope.
Klopp on Matip/Fabinho: "There's a glimmer of hope with Joel that isn't as serious. We will know more in three or four hours. Fabinho has no chance for the weekend."
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) January 29, 2021
More information — and hopefully good news — will emerge over the course of Friday and possibly Saturday.