Liverpool’s Premier League title chances remain slim with just two games to go but they will be hoping to make sure that they at least win the FA Cup this season ahead of Saturday’s final against Chelsea.
Jurgen Klopp was finally able to welcome back Roberto Firmino from injury in Tuesday’s victory against Aston Villa, but was then hit with an injury to Fabinho during the Villa Park contest, and is now sweating over his fitness for the remainder of the season.
Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at Anfield as well as the expected return date of Liverpool ’s Brazilian midfielder.
Fabinho is currently struggling with a hamstring injury and managed just 30 minutes of Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa before having to come off as a result, and there are now serious doubts over his availability for the rest of the season as they continue to fight on all fronts.
The Brazilian has been one of Liverpool’s standout players this campaign and Klopp will be desperate to have him available for a match as big and important as Saturday’s FA Cup final, as the Reds aim to keep alive their slim chances of a famous quadruple this season.
The 28-year-old pulled up immediately after feeling something go in his left leg whilst tracking back for his side during an Aston Villa attack, and with just four days to recover between then and this weekend, time is certainly of the essence for himself and his manager.
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Following the game on Tuesday, Klopp gave an update on Fabinho’s situation but admitted that he was unsure about the severity of his injury. He said: "I don’t know [how bad it is]. He felt the muscle, not too much. He is quite positive but I’m not sure what I can make of that, to be honest. We will see."
Jordan Henderson replaced his teammate in the Villa Park tie and will most likely be the chosen man to start against Chelsea this weekend should Fabinho not recover in time, and although Liverpool have plenty of options in that area of the field, the Brazilian will be sorely missed.
Thiago and Naby Keita will most likely make up the rest of Klopp’s midfield three, and even without Fabinho it is a very strong midfield, while there are also the options of Curtis Jones and James Milner at their manager’s disposal.
Should Fabinho definitely miss out this weekend then it can be expected that Klopp will focus on him recovering in time for the Champions League final against Real Madrid in Paris on May 28, rather than rushing him back for games against Southampton and Wolves, of which the Reds should have enough to see themselves through both fixtures.
An update on the 28-year-old is expected on Friday when Klopp will hold his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s FA Cup final with Chelsea the following day, although it is unlikely that there will be any huge developments in the situation.
A small positive is that Fabinho has been called up by Brazil’s national team for their games against Japan and Argentina in June. Their physio, Fabio Mahseredjian, revealed: "We don't have all the information yet. But we are optimistic that he will reach the Champions League final."
