Gino out to show he can be absolutely Fab-ulous
GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM admits losing midfielder Fabinho for any length of time would be a big blow to Liverpool’s chase for trophies, but insists he is ready to fill the void created by the Brazilian’s injury.
Jurgen Klopp said on Wednesday night he hoped the ankle problem sustained by Fabinho in the 1-1 Champions League draw with Napoli was not serious but must wait for scan results to learn the extent of the damage.
The Brazil international has yet to be on the losing side in a Premier League match he has started – a run of 32 games – and has become a hugely-influential figure in the team.
He left Anfield with his left foot in a protective boot and although he is banned anyway for tomorrow’s visit of Brighton, his participation in next Wednesday’s Merseyside derby may also be in doubt.
Wijnaldum came off the bench to replace Fabinho against Napoli and has filled the role numerous times but admits the former Monaco man’s absence is not helpful.
‘It is a blow, a big blow for the whole team, of course also for him as a player, but there are situations you have to deal with,’ said the Dutchman.
‘I think during the years we have had a few blows, injuries, and we just have to show we can deal with the situation. I have played it (Fabinho’s role) last season. You think I am ready? We will see.
‘We just have to show that it doesn’t affect us. During the years we had some difficult injuries and difficult positions, (like) last season when we didn’t have a defender.
‘We just have to deal with it so we will see.’
Soon after Fabinho went off Anfield held its breath with Virgil Van Dijk laid flat out in the centre-circle after an aerial challenge.
Napoli scored while the Dutchman was on the floor but despite initial worries he completed the 90 minutes.
‘Everyone was worried, not only about Virgil but every player,’ added Wijnaldum (left). ‘The way we see it is every player is important for us. ‘I think Virgil is okay because he finished the game. With Fabinho, it is difficult to say because he went off but with Virgil, it is difficult to say he is okay but I think he is. We will have to see what happens in the next few days.’