London –
Liverpool is now hit by a new problem, namely a central defender crisis because two of its players are injured together. However, the Reds will not shop because they have Fabinho.
When Liverpool visited Stamford Bridge on Sunday (9/20/2020) evening WIB, facing Chelsea, Fabinho was installed as a center back to accompany Virgil van Dijk. No Joe Gomez or Joel Matip.
Even in the line-up of players, Liverpool didn’t include a center-back at all! Remarkably, Fabinho still looks neat even though he suddenly had to be Van Dijk’s partner. Fabinho was able to break Chelsea’s attack which relied on Timo Werner and Kai Havertz.
Liverpool finally won 2-0 through a pair of goals from Sadio Mane and Fabinho could have been named Man of the Match. Fabinho made a total of 86 successful passes, 12 times the ball, 4 interceptions and 4 sweeps, the most among other players. Want to see Fabinho in action? Please watch the highlights on Mola TV through this link.
After the match, Klopp was asked about the reasons for the absence of Matip and Gomez, who last week were still able to play against Leeds United. For Gomez, the injury is relatively light and could have played in the middle of the week in the Premier League Cup.
Meanwhile, Matip will have to be out for a bit longer, at least until next month.
“It’s not badly injured, but enough to keep them out,” Klopp told Sky Sports.
“So, Joe don’t need to worry – maybe he’s just absent today. Same with Billy (Koumetio),” he continued.
“About Joel, we have to see first – Maybe it will take a little longer. He has a muscle injury. We’ll see his condition after the injury. He even though he has been fine in the pre-season since returning to training. But he had a small problem and we have to react again, yeah like that. That’s why we played like today. “
With the transfer window still open until October 5, Liverpool still have time to sign a new center-back who doesn’t have a history of injuries like Gomez or Matip.
Schalke 04 defender Ozan Kazan is reportedly the target of Liverpool and there is already an initial negotiation process. However, according to The Athletic, Liverpool have closed the door for new players and are focusing on the current stock of players.
Liverpool will rely on young defender Billy Koumetio as a cover and Fabinho will continue to play at center-back, as long as Gomez and Matip are absent.
Fabinho’s stats during Chelsea vs Liverpool:
[Gambas:Opta]
(mrp / rin)
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