---
title: "Fabinho must face Chelsea at centre-back, claims Graeme Souness"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/fabinho-must-face-chelsea-at-centre-back-claims-graeme-souness/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-03-02T10:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-03-02T10:00:00Z"
---

# Fabinho must face Chelsea at centre-back, claims Graeme Souness

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](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fabinho/verletzungen/spieler/225693) since the 4-1 defeat to Manchester City last month, but he is [expected](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/427181-klopp-on-jota-fabinho-and-alisson-availability-for-chelsea-clash) to return for the Chelsea game.

Speaking on [https://www.skysports.com/](https://www.skysports.com/)*[Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/)* on Sunday \[via [https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/03/01/got-to-play-him-souness-claims-klopp-must-recall-27-year-old-for-liverpool-against-chelsea/](https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/03/01/got-to-play-him-souness-claims-klopp-must-recall-27-year-old-for-liverpool-against-chelsea/)*[HITC](https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/03/01/got-to-play-him-souness-claims-klopp-must-recall-27-year-old-for-liverpool-against-chelsea/)*\], 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.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

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.