Team News: Liverpool to face Brighton sans key midfield ace

Liverpool suffer Fabinho blow ahead of their clash againt Brighton and Hove Albion

According to the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that 19-time Premier League Champions will be without their defensive midfielder Fabinho for this weekend’s game against Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Brazilian is yet to recover from a knee injury that has kept him out of the last two games. Liverpool hardly missed a beat in both games, winning both by a combined score of 7-0.

A key player for the Reds, the Brazilian’s absence is something Liverpool will feel. With the other players in midfield stepping up, they can weather the storm for a while more.

Klopp revealed that while Fabinho’s issue is not too complicated, it is enough to keep him out of action this weekend. With Atletico Madrid set to come to Anfield next week, it is understandable why Klopp does not want to risk the Brazilian.

“With Fabinho it doesn’t look that good, it’s a bit more complicated. Not too complicated but complicated enough to keep him out again probably.”

The German manager however had some better news on the injury front regarding Kieta. The Guinean was stretched off at Old Trafford last week after a horror challenge by Paul Pogba.

“Naby Keita looks good. I think he will be ready.”

The 26-year-old scored in his last two starts for Liverpool and was especially impressive against United. Whether he will begin the game against the Seagulls in the playing XI or come off the bench remains to be seen.

Fabinho pulled up with an injury during the Champions League game against Atletico Madrid a fortnight ago. It is a testament to the Reds’ good form that he has hardly been missed.

With James Milner also out injured, the Reds have limited players available in the midfield areas. Thankfully Jordan Henderson and co were afforded a well-deserved rest in the midfield clash against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup.

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Liverpool will also be without Harvey Elliott and Thiago Alcantara for the Brighton game. Thiago resumed full training on Thursday but this game comes too early for him.