FABINHO MAY LEG IT BACK.. AFTER JUST THREE GAMES

scans yesterday showed it’s only a grade one or two muscle problem.

And that means stand-in centre-half Fabinho could return straight after the upcoming international break in 10 days’ time.

Such is the congested nature of the fixture list, it would mean Fabinho could still miss at least three matches.

The Reds face West Ham and Manchester City in the Premier League with a Champions League visit to Atalanta sandwiched in between.

But Klopp (above) will be breathing a sigh of relief that Fabinho – who has stepped in with key defender Virgil van Dijk battling to play again this season following knee surgery – will not be sidelined long term.

Klopp has few options to partner Joe Gomez for Saturday’s visit of the Hammers, although Joel

Matip returns to light training this week, which would ease his worries.

He also has Jordan Henderson available, despite his substitution at half-time against Midtjylland – and the skipper has covered in central defence before.

Klopp also has three rookie defenders in his squad, with 19-year-old Rhys Williams performing admirably as a replacement for Fabinho following his early exit.

The German manager saluted the teenager, who has never made a Premier League appearance for Liverpool – and his teammates were quick to give him a new nickname.

Andy Robertson, Diogo Jota and Xherdan Shaqiri all praised the ‘Big Man’ in social media posts following the 2-0 win.

Klopp, though, hinted that the more experienced defender Nathaniel Phillips, 23, could play a part against West Ham.