Klopp Talk: Fabinho Could Return Against Man City

In what has been the most unusual season, there’s probably no one having a stranger time of it than Fabinho.

Just think about it from his perspective for a second. A specialist defensive midfielder who occasionally filled in at the back is, at a moment’s notice, asked to become a full time centre back for pretty much an entire season. That’s it. No going back.

Considering the circumstances, it’s hard to say he hasn’t done well. Yes, he’s not Virgil van Dijk, but I’m not sure how much more one could reasonably expect from him.

Until he picked up an injury, that is. Fabinho missed the Spurs game with a slight knock and everyone worried about another centre back down. Jürgen Klopp has explained that while he’s almost certain to miss both the games against West Ham today and Brighton on Wednesday, he could return against Man City next Sunday.

“Minor issues nowadays are at least three games,” he told the media, as reported by the official Liverpool site. “It depends on the week – it could be four games as well. We have to see.

“I think the game where Fab could be back is City.”

The story is less positive for Naby Keïta, who still lacks a return date at all.

“Naby is closer but not close enough,” Klopp added.

This is once again a serious concern about Keïta. He just cannot seem to stay fit for any real stretch of time, and when he returns, it seems to take him some time to get back into the rhythm. Fabinho at least does not have such a record, so he should return in one piece.

Until then, keep praying to whatever deities you believe in for no new injuries.