Fabinho has to play at centre-back against Chelsea this week, according to Liverpool legend Graeme Souness.
The Reds host the Blues on Thursday night, in what could be such a key top four clash come the end of the season.
Fabinho has been absent through injury since the 4-1 defeat to Manchester City last month, but he is expected to return for the Chelsea game.
Speaking on Sky Sports on Sunday [via HITC], Souness said it is vital that the Brazilian returns to a centre-back berth, rather than start in midfield:
You’re only as strong as your weakest link in the football team. They looked a bit vulnerable to a couple of long balls and flick ons tonight.
They’ll be [up against] a bigger threat on Thursday night when they play Chelsea and you’ve got to play him [Fabinho] at the back.
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Souness is spot on in his assessment, with Fabinho’s influence in defence much-needed on Thursday evening.
While his best position remains midfield, Liverpool are well-stocked in that area, especially with James Milner and Naby Keita fit again.
Fabinho will need to partner either Nathaniel Phillips or Ozan Kabak against Chelsea, with the duo a potentially weak partnership against a team of the Blues’ attacking quality.
Getting by against Sheffield United is one thing, but without Fabinho in the back-line at Anfield, it could be problematic.
