Fabinho is on the verge of a Liverpool ban for a Premier League rule
Liverpool midfielder Fabinho is close to suspension after picking up nine yellow cards
Liverpool midfielder Fabinho reacts (Image: Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
Liverpool midfielder Fabinho faces a two-match ban and could face a penalty if he is booked in Wednesday’s meeting with West Ham United.
In last week’s commanding win over Leeds United, the Brazilian picked up his ninth yellow card of the season for a cynical foul on US international Brenden Aaronson.
The win for Jurgen Klopp’s side gives a glimmer of hope to next season’s European qualifying hopes as they are off the pace, currently held by Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. They kept up the momentum with a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, a match in which the Brazilian avoided a booking.
It means Fabinho will have to drag the line with match officials during Wednesday’s fixture so as to avoid retroactive action and miss the next two against Spurs and Fulham. Premier League rules state that players who collect 10 yellow cards in league matches up to and including their team’s 32nd match will serve a two-match league ban.
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Jurgen Klopp unveils John Henry speeches as he explains the presence of Liverpool’s West Ham owner
Jurgen Klopp confirmed he spoke to Liverpool owner John Henry after Reds owner spotted at London Stadium
Klopp celebrates victory over West Ham. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp has revealed he has already held talks with John Henry after the Liverpool owner attended his first Reds match in nearly 12 months.
Henry sat next to Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan in the Premier League’s 2-1 win at West Ham United on Wednesday night. The Fenway Sports Group boss had not seen Klopp’s side in action since the Premier League clash with Bournemouth in August.
Liverpool owners are under pressure from fans to back Klopp in the transfer market this summer with an expected drastic midfield overhaul, scrutiny of which has intensified after the Reds exited their long-term chase Borussia Dortmund’s English international Jude Bellingham had resigned.
And of Henry’s presence in London, Klopp said: “We had discussions already. We spoke at the hotel last night, we already spoke. I knew he would come.”
Henry saw Liverpool come from behind to claim a third straight win after goals from Cody Gakpo and Joel Matip canceled out an opener from West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta. Matip had been recalled to the starting XI in place of Ibrahima Konaté, who was not part of the tour operator going to the capital.
And Klopp explained Konaté’s absence: “Ibou could have played, he’s not injured. But for the last two or three weeks, he’s always had to take a two-day break, one day, then half a session. And so on.
“I thought now we had to make sure he recovered properly so he didn’t get injured, so we left him at home completely.”
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Liverpool’s next six games against Newcastle, Manchester United and other Champions League rivals
Liverpool ousted West Ham United in a tense Premier League affair in the capital on Wednesday night
Liverpool striker Cody Gakpo celebrates with his teammates after scoring (Image: BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool recorded a third straight Premier League win after beating West Ham United on Wednesday night.
The Reds fell behind after Lucas Paqueta opened the scoring with a fine effort, although Jurgen Klopp’s side fought back to take all three points through Cody Gakpo and a Joel Matip header. The result leaves Liverpool six points adrift of third place, although Newcastle United still have a game in hand.
Klopp’s men will have to continue grinding results in the coming weeks as they look for an elusive place in the Champions League.
30 April – Tottenham Hotspur (H): The Reds face one of their main rivals for a European place, just days after the sacking of interim manager Cristian Stellini. Ryan Mason temporarily takes charge of the team as the Spurs look to get back on track and revive their season.
3 May – Fulham (H): Marco Silva’s side have suffered a dip in form of late, losing five of their previous seven Premier League games. Safe from relegation, the Cottagers go into this match with little but pride in the game.
May 6 – Brentford (H): Enjoying life in the top flight, the Bees are on course for an impressive top half after exceeding expectations yet again. Key to their success was Ivan Toney, who the Reds will have to shut up for a three-point chance.
15 May – Leicester City (A): The Foxes remain embroiled in a relegation battle and will be desperately chasing points over the next few weeks. Jamie Vardy salvaged a draw for Leicester at Leeds United on Tuesday and Dean Smith’s side will need more magical moments to knock the last straw. May 20 – Aston Villa (H): An unexpected rival in the run-up to European football, Unai Emery has transformed Villa since his appointment in October. Liverpool will have to give their all to emerge victorious, but will appreciate their chances at home
28 May – Southampton (A): Saints are currently bottom of the Premier League and could very well be relegated before this game. However, if the cellar club still has a chance of success, this is shaping up to be a busy afternoon.