Liverpool secured a narrow 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Tuesday at Villa Park, coming from behind to beat Steven Gerrard’s side. It was not without cost, Fabinho picking up an injury – and Jurgen Klopp has commented.
Fabinho, 28, started his 46th match of the season but after 30 minutes, a loose touch gifted possession to ex-Reds playmaker Philippe Coutinho – and Fabinho instantly clutched his left hamstring. He was taken off by Klopp.
Skipper Jordan Henderson replaced him, with the scoreline already reading 1-1 – Douglas Luiz’s early goal cancelled out by Joel Matip. It was a piece of combined magic from Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane to score the winner.
Speaking after the match when asked if Fabinho is okay, Klopp responded. He stated that he thinks the Brazil international will be fit for Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea – but that more tests are required to check.
“I think he will [be okay, for the FA Cup final] but I do not know. We have to have a further assessment,” Klopp told BBC Live’s coverage of Liverpool’s comeback win over Villa, taking them level with Manchester City.
Klopp on Fabinho: Brazilian crucial to Liverpool ahead of FA Cup final
Liverpool have a handful of players that are the first names on the team sheet when a big game arrives. Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Roberton, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane. Fabinho is on that list.
While the likes of Jordan Henderson, Thiago, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones and James Milner fight it out for the other two midfield slots – Fabinho is the one that Klopp can rely on. He will be praying he is okay for Saturday’s final.
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