Liverpool were handed a big blow on Wednesday evening as Fabinho was forced off injured in the game against Napoli and fans are now seriously concerned about their squad ahead of the December fixtures.
The Brazilian defensive-midfielder, who signed from Monaco in 2018, was replaced by Georginio Wijnaldum after just 19 minutes at Anfield with fears that his ankle injury could be a serious one. This comes ahead of an extremely busy December period for Jurgen Klopp’s side, with the Reds set to play eight fixtures across various competitions.
The draw against Napoli also means that Klopp’s side need to travel to Salzburg and avoid defeat in order to secure progression into the knockout stages and they may well be without Fabinho against the free-scoring Austrian side. The 26-year-old has been one of Liverpool’s key performers this season; averaging a 7.03 rating, so an extended period without the Brazilian could seriously harm their form.
Will Liverpool avoid defeat in Austria against Salzburg?
Yes
No
Reaction from Liverpool fans to James Pearce’s post about Fabinho’s injury ahead of the December fixtures can be seen in the tweets below.
THIS is why we need signings. Clearly been excellent so far, but can we keep this pace up for the the rest of this season? Could we challenge for 4 trophies and keep an 8pt lead in the league with Milner at LB, Gomez RB, Henderson, Gini or Lallana DM if needed due to injuries?
— Own Half Alonso (@OwnHalfAlonso) November 28, 2019
Too bad… Fabinho is the best defensive midfielder in the world recently. But Liverpool must have a defensive midfielder. So maybe it is a time for Naby Keita to shine. Or, for other midfielders to shine.
— Jaslene (@Jaslene16269079) November 28, 2019
I do think we should have played our strongest available team. Could have rested everyone from salzburg had we won. Makes things harder now and a few injuries to deal with too
— Craig uppington (@uppers79) November 28, 2019
The only negative thing about all this is the stupid comments from supporters who think it’s the reds divine right to win every game! Napoli did a good job trent and ox got a rest Dejan has played himself into form and all this rubbish about resting in December wouldnt happen
— bren (@Bren39225970) November 28, 2019
It’s the same every single time. We could have 3 League One teams in our group and we’d find a way to make the 6th group game the most important rather than an opportunity to rest everybody.
— Ash McNally (@ash_mcnally90) November 28, 2019
But he picked that defensive team at home. Should play his full strength and get the job done. Just gutted now, I trust klopp 100% but wish he would change it up when he knows he could of got the win last night
— Mike Newell (@MikeNew1106) November 28, 2019
@NdikumanaYusuph it getting worse
— Takiu Ayoub (@TakiuAyoub) November 28, 2019
The main issue I have is that I think this match away to Salzburg could turn out to be a nightmare for us. They score goals for fun and are brilliant at home. We could easily be out here and end up in the UEFA cup which would be a disaster.
— darrenmccaul (@DCaula) November 28, 2019
Liverpool fans are clearly a little worried after the draw with Napoli, with many recognising that travelling to Salzburg needing to avoid defeat may well be a tough ask for Klopp’s side.
What do we think?
Salzburg are always going to be a threat, especially with the form of Erling Haaland, but the Reds have to back themselves to avoid defeat in Austria.
Their December fixtures are going to be a real test and if they manage to hold on to their current eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League table whilst also securing progression to the next round of the Champions League, then they will have done very well indeed.