Liverpool’s fears over Fabinho‘s injury have been confirmed, with the influential midfielder set to miss the Reds’ busy December fixtures.
Fabinho was forced off after just 19 minutes in Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw with Napoli, and left the stadium with his foot in a protective boot.
The midfielder then underwent scans on Friday, after the club deemed it wise to let to injury settle for a day, and the extent of his injury has now been confirmed.
Starting with Saturday’s visit of Brighton to Anfield—a match Fabinho was set to miss already due to suspension—Liverpool have 10 games in the next month, albeit nobody could play in all 10 with the Aston Villa-Club World Cup double-header among those.
Adding to the club’s announcement, the Times‘ Paul Joyce has indicated that the injury could see him miss up to eight weeks.
Games Fabinho is set to miss
- Brighton (H) – Nov 30
- Everton (H) – Dec 4
- Bournemouth (A) – Dec 7
- Salzburg (A) – Dec 10
- Watford (H) – Dec 14
- Aston Villa (A) – Dec 17
- Club World Cup Semi Final – Dec 17
- Club World Cup Final / Third Place – Dec 21
- Leicester (A) – Dec 26
- Wolves (A) – Dec 29
- Sheffield United (H) – Jan 2
Games Fabinho is also likely to miss
Georginio Wijnaldum took up Fabinho‘s role as the deepest midfielder against Napoli, and he or Jordan Henderson will deputise there during the Brazilian’s time on the sidelines. Adam Lallana is another option in the role.
Whether it’s Henderson or Wijnaldum in the central role, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will likely be the major beneficiary, with the Englishman joining the duo in midfield.
James Milner, Naby Keita and Lallana will also get more playing time in what is an extremely busy fixture period for the Reds.
