Liverpool handed injury boost with Fabinho expected to make quick return

Joe Gomez is their only fit senior centre-back

Liverpool have been handed a glimmer of hope in the treatment room as Fabinho's hamstring injury appears to be less severe than first feared. Fabinho sustained the injury in the first half of Liverpool's Champions League match against FC Midtjylland on Tuesday night, and Liverpool fans feared the worst as they were left with just one fit centre-back in Joe Gomez, with Virgil Van Dijk ruled out for the long term and Joel Matip also nursing a knock. The Brazilian underwent a scan on Wednesday morning, with Liverpool's staff fearing a third degree tear. But results showed a less severe tear, meaning he could be back in action immediately after the upcoming international break. Fabinho had been selected to represent Brazil by head coach Tite, but has since been replaced by his Merseyside rival Allan, who has impressed since joining Everton in the summer. This means Fabinho is still likely to miss three tough matches for Liverpool, against West Ham, Atalanta and Manchester City. The 19-year-old Rhys Williams replaced Fabinho on Tuesday night and looked comfortable at the back alongside Gomez, who will have to step up and command the backline in the absence of his more experienced teammates. But Williams will face tougher tests than Midtjylland in the coming weeks, which will provide the opportunity for him to cement his place in the senior squad.