Fabinho and Wijnaldum Reportedly on Track for Leicester City Return

As Liverpool continue their warm-weather mini-break training in Dubai, several Reds are racing to get back to full fitness ahead of what could be a title winning run-in.

The game against Leicester City might come a bit too soon for the return of either Trent Alexander-Arnold or Joe Gomez, which leaves an Alexander-Arnold or Gomez sized hole at right back. And James Miller is not an option, thanks to his one-game suspension after picking up a late second yellow against Crystal Palace.

So, that brings us to Fabinho as our emergency, break-glass right back. And thankfully, it seems, Fabinho just might be fit enough to deputize on the back line once again. According to the generally reliable David Maddock of The Mirror, Liverpool are optimistic about Fabinho recovering from the slight knock he picked up last time out.

“Liverpool medics are now extremely hopeful Fabinho will be fit to play once the Reds return to England from their warm-weather training camp in Dubai,” Maddock reported. “Liverpool will handle his return carefully but are confident the injury wasn’t as serious as first thought.

“Midfielder Gini Wijnaldum will be fit to return, which would allow Fabinho to play right-back.”

Wijnaldum’s return is equally heartening for the Reds. There was a considerable and noticeable lack of midfield control in his absence last time out.

If either Gomez or TAA could get fit before returning to league action next Wednesday, we might be able to say we’re rounding the corner on this latest injury crisis. Knock on all the wood, throw salt over your shoulder, coddle your Virgil van Dijk voodoo doll, or engage in any other superstitions that you think might help.