Jurgen Klopp is confident Fabinho will be fit in time for the Champions League final at the end of this month despite being forced off in Liverpool’s win against Aston Villa.
A scan post-match revealed the injury to be a hamstring strain which will see the Brazilian miss Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea and likely the Reds’ remaining two matches in the Premier League.
Fabinho was replaced by skipper Jordan Henderson just 30 minutes into proceedings at Villa Park on Tuesday night as his side overturned a one-goal deficit with goals from Joel Matip and Sadio Mane.
“There’s a good chance that he will be available for the Champions League final,” the Liverpool manager said in a press conference as quoted by the Guardian.
While Klopp has a group of versatile central midfielders at his disposal including Henderson along with Naby Keita and Thiago, a direct replacement possessing Fabinho’s deep-lying qualities is non-existent.
Despite this, the German head coach has faith that his side can make do ahead of a season-defining two-week period.
"“We have to cope, because we can cope. Having him or not having him is a difference but it is all fine. That’s normal stuff that happens.“It’s never in a position where you have 12 options, it’s always in a position where you don’t. We have a few players. Hendo came on and played incredible. He has played super games this season at 6 so that is not a problem.”Via: The Guardian"
Fabinho role an area to reinforce for Klopp and Liverpool?
The impact of Fabinho’s injury, although, potentially not felt in the short term, exposes a need for reinforcement in the summer transfer window.
The Express reports Liverpool haven’t yet turned their attention to recruitment due to not looking beyond the challenges that lie ahead in the coming weeks.
Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has been listed as a potential target, but rumours suggest Real Madrid are in pole position for the highly touted Frenchman.
A player of Tchouameni’s profile would certainly fit the mould, however, considering his obvious demand to play consistent football, whether a role behind Fabinho would be of interest to the 22-year-old is yet to be seen.
🧠 Only Bremer (105) has made more interceptions than Aurelien Tchouameni (96) in Europe's top 5 leagues this season pic.twitter.com/5eKMtKMKTY
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) May 9, 2022
Liverpool face Chelsea on Saturday in the FA Cup final before Premier League fixtures against Southampton and Wolves sandwiched by a Champions League final against Real Madrid.