---
title: "Fabinho could be back for crucial Man City clash, says Jurgen Klopp"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/fabinho-could-be-back-for-crucial-man-city-clash-says-jurgen-klopp/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-01-31T12:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-01-31T12:00:00Z"
---

# Fabinho could be back for crucial Man City clash, says Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp has pencilled in Liverpool’s vital clash with Manchester City as Fabinho’s much-needed return date from injury.

The Brazilian is currently out with a [muscle issue](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/423892-fabinho-injury-update), missing Thursday’s 3-1 win away to Tottenham.

With Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip [all out](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fc-liverpool/sperrenundverletzungen/verein/31), too, Fabinho’s absence is particularly troublesome at the moment.

Speaking to reporters \[via [https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55872631](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55872631)*[BBC Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55872631)*\], Klopp said the visit of City next Sunday could see the 27-year-old back in the Reds’ starting lineup:

> Minor issues nowadays are at least three games.

> Depending on the week, it could be four games. I think the game when ‘Fab’ could be back is \[Man\] City.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

Fabinho’s current absence is an enormous blow for Liverpool, considering how influential he has been this season.

He is arguably the Reds’ Player of the Year so far, excelling in a centre-back role, having been forced to play there because of injuries to others.

The City match has the potential to be season-defining, with Liverpool surely having to avoid defeat to have a chance of defending their Premier League title.

Given the potency of Pep Guardiola’s attack, Fabinho being back in the side is of vital importance – without him, it could be a real struggle, with Nathaniel Phillips and Jordan Henderson possibly having to partner one another at centre-back.