In a recent interview (via Liverpool Echo) following Liverpool‘s 2-0 win over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, Jurgen Klopp revealed that Fabinho is set to return from injury against Chelsea on Thursday night. The German head coach said,
“Alisson and Fabinho, I am pretty sure [they can play].
“Fabinho trained twice with the team and should be pretty close for the squad, I am sure. That is it pretty much.”
Fabinho’s Recent Struggles With Injuries At Merseyside
The Brazilian international has endured an injury-plagued season at Anfield so far after missing a lot of action in the Premier League due to a muscle injury. However, he has done well to fill in as an emergency centre-back for the Reds whenever he has been available in the long-term injury absence of Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.
Fabinho has participated in 27 matches for the Merseyside giants this term, picking up one assist and six yellow cards across all competitions. The Campinas-born talent has given a good account of himself on the defensive end of the field by averaging 2.0 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 2.8 clearances per game in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League group stages this season. He has also taken care of the ball when distributing possession from the back, as evidenced by his pass success rate of 91.2% in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
What Does The Brazilian Sensation Bring To The Table?
Fabinho is always aware of what’s around him and can clear the danger quickly when called into action. He is a terrific tackler that helps him make some crucial interceptions for his team. The 12-time Brazil international has also got a good passing range and can unleash a powerful strike from long range when given time and space by the opposition. However, frequent injuries have started to derail his progress at Merseyside this season, so Klopp will be eager to get him back to playing his best football in the coming months.
Fabinho To Return From Injury Vs Chelsea: Big Boost For Klopp?
Fabinho’s potential return versus the Blues in midweek will be a timely boost for the Reds as they can benefit from having someone of the Brazilian midfielder’s experience lead their backline on Thursday night. If the Liverpool star can stay fit and avoid getting injured in the remainder of this campaign, he could give the Merseysiders an edge in the race to secure a top-four spot in the Premier League this season.
Plus, Ozan Kabak can benefit from having an accomplished senior player in Fabinho operating alongside him at the heart of Klopp’s defence, especially in such an important clash versus the Blues, which would either boost or deter Liverpool’s hopes for Champions League football next season.
