Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Fabinho will not be part of the squad for Saturday’s game against West Ham because of a hamstring injury.
The Brazilian star limped off in the first half of Liverpool’s Champions League victory against Midtjylland on Tuesday and had to be replaced by 19-year-old Rhys Williams.
Fabinho had been called on to fill in for Van Dijk in defence after he was ruled out with a knee ligament injury, but Klopp will have to make changes to his back line for the upcoming game at Anfield.
“Fab is not in, that’s clear,” Klopp told reporters. “He got a little injury and so he will be out for the weekend and probably slightly longer.
“That’s one thing, but all the others who are fit will be in contention, either on the pitch or on the bench and coming on.”
Jordan Henderson was substituted at half-time in the mid week’s Champions League game, but Klopp says there are no concerns about his fitness.
He said: “Jordan Henderson did not have a fitness problem. Responsible is maybe the better word for [the substitution].”
Liverpool announced on Friday that Van Dijk had undergone a successful operation on the injury he sustained after a nasty challenge from Jordan Pickford in the 2-2 draw against Everton.
“I don’t think it’s the place to talk about personal things. After surgery, a successful one, it is always unpleasant. He is good as can be and that’s it,” Klopp added. “It’s clear to say he is a quicker healer. He can cope, it’s clear.
“Virgil is a friend, he is our boy but we are used to injuries. It was just how it was unnecessary.
“The more you like a person, the more you suffer with them. Injuries are the worst part of a professional’s life. A part of the game. We are unfortunately used to it.
“We care about Virgil and will take care of him, but our focus is on available players. That is what we do.”
