Klopp gives cagey response to questions over Fabinho injury

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp refused to disclose how serious Fabinho’s injury was after only providing limited details about his absence against Tottenham.

Rumours had been circulating around prior to kick-off at Tottenham that the Brazilian would miss out in North London. And when the team sheet was announced for the game, it confirmed the Brazilian is the latest to fall foul of Liverpool’s defensive injury curse this season.

With the club explaining his absence was down to a “minor muscle issue”, Klopp refused to divulge any more information in the build up.

When questioned by BT Sport‘s Des Kelly, Klopp was giving little away.

“It was nothing, he just felt something [in training] and we had to take him out and now he’s out,” Klopp explained.

“It was not a challenge, intense or anything, just how things happen.”

With both Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk sustaining serious knee injuries, the midfielder has filled in admirably. Indeed, with Joel Matip also seemingly unable to string a run of games together, Fabinho has become Liverpool’s most-used central defender this season.

Thankfully for Klopp, Matip was fit enough to start Thursday night’s clash at Spurs. He is partnered in defence by skipper Jordan Henderson, another makeshift centre-half.

Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips remain specialist options from the bench. However, it seems Klopp has little trust in either for their bigger games.

Liverpool will keep a close watch on Fabinho’s fitness. Klopp will likely provide a telling update ahead of Sunday’s game at West Ham.

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Pundit backing Van Dijk to make early return

Van Dijk, meanwhile, could be ready to return from injury by March given his recent social media updates, according to one pundit.

The 29-year-old is in the midst of long-term rehabilitation following a knee injury he suffered in October.

Van Dijk promptly underwent surgery on his ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and, as such, Liverpool did not put a timeline on his recovery.

However, he has documented his progress on his Twitter page. Indeed, his latest video showed him working on an exercise bike. In another post, meanwhile, he lifted weights to build up the resistance in his knee.

According to former England international Carlton Palmer, Van Dijk’s updates have offered promising hope that the Dutchman could return well before the end of the season.

“You say the season at the time was written off for him. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him back maybe at the end of February, early March,” Palmer said.

“If that’s the case, there’s no need for Liverpool to go into the transfer market. Why pay money for someone they don’t really want?”

Clarence Seedorf has also worked with his compatriot on his injury and offered an update in December.