BBC pundit Garth Crooks thinks Fabinho must stay fit for Liverpool to sustain their title challenge this season.

After Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez were sidelined with serious injuries, Crooks firmly believed that the loss of the two defenders would have done fatal damage to their hopes of finishing top but the Brazilian has deputised ably for the pair:

“Fabinho moved out of Liverpool’s midfield and into their back four and performed like a colossus. With Joel Matip now added to that casualty list, should anything happen to Fabinho it really is curtains for the champions.”

With Matip also absent, Fabinho really is doing a fantastic job at keeping things together at the back for the Reds. Recent draws have not been down to the defence but the lack of drive going forward, and the excellent defensive performances are a testament to the Brazilian international’s ability.

It will be hoped that Liverpool delve into the transfer market this month, in order to give Fabinho some much-needed help, but we shall have to wait and see whether the Premier League champions do actually bring in a defender before the transfer window closes.