Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has admitted it is a “massive” blow to lose Fabinho until 2020 but insists Liverpool will find a way to cope without the Brazilian midfielder.
The Premier League giants confirmed on Friday that Fabinho suffered ankle ligament damage in the 1-1 Champions League draw against Napoli at Anfield and is unlikely to play again for Liverpool before the turn of the year.
The 25-year-old is now set to miss the Premier League encounters against Everton, Bournemouth, Watford, Leicester City, and Wolves, as well as the final Champions’ League group game away to Red Bull Leipzig along with the EFL Cup clash with Aston Villa and the Club World Cup.
However, the 52-year-old Klopp accepts that there is no ready-made replacement for a player of Fabinho’s qualities, but the Liverpool boss has no doubts about the suitability of Jordan Henderson or Georginio Wijnaldum playing in the deeper midfield role.
While speaking to reporters the German was asked about Fabinho’s injury to which he replied, “Oh yes. It’s bad news. Nothing good to say about that. How long it will take [to recover], we’re not sure 100 percent but it looks pretty sure he will not be involved in the Christmas fixtures.
But Klopp also further explained that is sure that Fabinho’s void can be filled by Jordan Henderson or Georginio Wijnaldum until the Brazilian returns, “We have solutions for the position. We can replace him. We’ve played well without him, but now it’s important to get him doing the right things and get him back as soon as possible. Until then, we have to find solutions. We’re not the only team with injured players. It’s what we have to deal with now and we will. We watched the Napoli game from last year and Hendo played the position, Gini played the position already, Adam Lallana played the position, we can change system… Losing a player of the quality of Fabinho is massive, really bad, but we are not the only team in the Premier League with injuries.”
Fabinho has really been integral to Liverpool since his arrival from AS Monaco last summer. He has become so vital as the destroyer in midfield recycling possession and winning the ball back from the opponents.
