Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Liverpool star Fabinho hands Jurgen Klopp injury boost ahead of Leicester clash
Liverpool midfielder Fabinho looks set to return to the fold against Leicester on Sunday.
Liverpool: Mohamed Salah is in ‘good place’ says Jurgen Klopp
Fabinho was pictured in full Liverpool training this evening and the Brazilian now looks set to return against Leicester on Sunday, in a major boost for Jurgen Klopp. The defensive midfielder has been sorely missed ever since limping off in the 2-0 Champions League win over FC Midtjylland with a hamstring injury.
The former Monaco man has emerged as one of Liverpool's most dependable payers and that was evident when he stepped up to the task of filling in at centre-back, in the absence of Virgil van Dijk.
He helped marshal Liverpool to wins over Ajax and Sheffield United, before his run at the heart of defence was called to a disappointing halt.
Klopp refused to confirm whether Fabinho would be available for this weekend's clash with Leicester but now the 27-year-old looks ready to return to action.
He was snapped in training alongside his team-mates, ahead of the game with the Foxes on Sunday.
JUST IN: Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has auxiliary centre-back 'ready' to replace Joe Gomez
Yesterday he was also at Liverpool's brand new AXA training complex, working hard in the gym.
There were no pictures of fellow midfielder Thiago in training tonight though, which would suggest the game may come too soon for him.
The Spaniard has not featured since the 2-2 draw with Everton, after falling foul to a dangerously high tackle from Richarlison that saw Michael Oliver brandish a red card.
Klopp also confirmed he will be without captain Jordan Henderson: "Hendo not, Trent not, that is clear. All the rest we will see."
When quizzed on the fitness of Fabinho and Thiago, Klopp hinted that both were edging closer to full fitness: "In a good way," he said of the duo.
DON'T MISS
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has auxiliary centre-back 'ready' to replace Joe Gomez
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp 'identifies Ruben Semedo' as £18m transfer target
Liverpool had secret Dayot Upamecano transfer plan before creating new four-man shortlist
If Klopp considers Fabinho ready to start, then he is likely to partner Joel Matip at centre-back with Liverpool well-stocked in midfield.
Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams remain on standby and are ready for more first-team opportunities.
Mohamed Salah will miss the match, after returning a second positive COVID-19 test while away with Egypt.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also back out on the grass and kicking a ball, following the knee injury he sustained during the club's pre-season training camp in Austria.
Klopp said: "Ox in a good way. They are all closer, but we will see who is close enough for the weekend."
The Liverpool boss also shed light on his reaction to the news that Gomez had suffered a serious injury during England training.
He replied: “My English is not good enough to describe exactly what went through my mind.
“My head physio told me and everybody was sure it was serious immediately. No doubts. No hope it was only a little one. Injuries are part of the deal for players and managers. How they happen is something we are constantly worried about."
Liverpool will have to try and keep Jamie Vardy quiet without both Gomez and Van Dijk, if they are to earn all three points against the highflying Foxes on Sunday (7:15pm).