Jurgen Klopp confirms major injury blow to Liverpool midfielder

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed a major injury blow with Fabinho expected to be sidelined for the rest of the year with an ankle ligament injury.

The Brazil international picked up the problem during the first half of the Reds' 1-1 Champions League draw against Napoli and he was replaced by Georginio Wijnaldum.

Shortly after the setback, it was highlighted that he could be sidelined for around four to six weeks and Klopp has now confirmed that will be the case with the midfielder out of action until January.

"Losing a player of the quality of Fabinho is big. Really bad. It is bad news. Timeframe - we are not sure 100 percent but looks pretty sure he will not be involved in Christmas fixtures," he told Sky Sports.

Liverpool are presently holding a comfortable eight-point gap over Leicester City at the top of the standings and they should be backed to continue the excellent form when Brighton make the Anfield trip.

The Reds are currently the only unbeaten side in the English top-flight and they have dropped points in just one league game against Manchester United on the road.