Liverpool defender Joel Matip will miss four games.
The former Cameroon international is expected to be out for another a month after pulling up before the Reds beat Chelsea 2-0.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp suffered a late doubly whammy as Joe Gomez also missed the game through injury, which prompted him to field Fabinho as a central defender.
Klopp wouldn’t have intended to use the Brazilian in that makeshift role so early in the season, and definitely not in such a big game, but the midfielder did incredibly well as he emerged with Timo Werner in his pocket.
Now the manager may have to turn towards Fabinho again as Joel Matip will miss the next four games, at least. The Echo reported that Liverpool will be without his services for the League Cup game against Lincoln, the fourth round clash if they win during the week, as well as Premier League games against Arsenal and Aston Villa.
"Klopp said: “With Joel, it could be slightly different. It’s not the worst thing in the world, but a few weeks, a couple of weeks, probably after the international break he will be ready again.“So we have to see. It’s not cool, but it’s crazy. One day and then bam bam.“Luckily we have Fabinho and he played an exceptional game, so that was really, really nice.”"
Liverpool have been linked with Schalke defender Ozan Kabak and this injury may speed up any plans to recruit another central defender.
Or, Klopp could chose to continue with the squad – happy with the arrival of Thiago and content in the knowledge that he can make up for what the side would lose without Fabinho in midfield.
Signing Kabak would free up the squad’s only true defensive midfield to continue in that role and it should now be treated as a priority. Fans had fears about Matip and Gomez before the season started and it only took two games before they were realised.
While this might not be the start of a horrific period of fitness concerns, it’s never good to start the season on such a sour note.
Fabinho did well, but he can’t be relied on in that position every week. Something has to change.