FABINHO EXPECTS TO return to first-team action in the near future and warned Liverpool not to relent in their \u201cincredible\u201d season.<\/p>\n
Defensive midfielder Fabinho was a first-team regular at the start of the season but has been absent since the end of November with an ankle injury.<\/p>\n
Jurgen Klopp said on Friday he expects to have the Brazil international back in full training this week and suggested he could be fit for next week\u2019s Premier League clash against Manchester United .<\/p>\n
Liverpool have continued to shine in Fabinho\u2019s absence, and a 1-0 win over Tottenham on Saturday moved them 16 points clear at the top of the English top-flight, although Manchester City have\u00a0a chance to trim that to 14 points on Sunday with a win over Aston Villa.<\/p>\n
Speaking to Telefoot , Fabinho said: \u201cI\u2019m on the right path. We are in full recovery. I train individually.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cFor example, I make changes in direction, but also exercises with the ball. I am very confident [about a quick comeback].<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I can resume soon, but we will see with the medical staff.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked about his chances of being fit in time to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last-16 tie next month, he responded: \u201cI will be there of course.\u201d<\/p>\n
Roberto Firmino\u2019s first-half strike was enough to see off Tottenham as the Reds recorded their 20th top-flight victory in 21 games to take their tally to 61 points this term.<\/p>\n
In the three-points-for-a-win era, that is the biggest haul any team in Europe\u2019s top five leagues has ever managed after 21 games.<\/p>\n
But Fabinho is taking nothing for granted.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can win the title, but we are not yet champions. We are on the right track. What we have done so far is incredible, but we must continue,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope we will not crack. We have the confidence to continue like this. Despite the injuries, we continue to play at a high level.<\/p>\n
\u201cLately, I haven\u2019t been chatting too much with the players. I spoke with the Brazilians on the team. We\u2019re just saying we have to keep going.\u201d<\/p>\n
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