Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has reiterated that Fabinho will not be considered for the first team until he adapts to the tactical system that the Reds employ.

The Brazilian international was signed for £40m in the summer but has yet to kick a ball in anger during a competitive game for the club.

The Liverpool boss likened the situation to what happened to Andy Robertson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at the start of their Anfield careers:

“We had similar questions about Robbo and Oxlade. Fabinho is full of energy and desire. It’s not nice to tell him he’s not involved but he’s come from another league with a different system, it takes time. The plan was and still is that he will make us better.”

Fabinho was called up by Brazil for the friendlies against the USA and El Salvador last week. Manager Tite played the 24-year-old at right-back in the 2-0 win over the States but he was rested for the subsequent fixture, along with Liverpool teammates Roberto Firmino and Alisson.

It means the trio should be fresh to face Tottenham in the lunchtime kickoff today, although from what Klopp has said the summer recruit from Monaco is unlikely to feature from the start.