TalkSPORT pundit Danny Mills has given his reaction to the injury news involving Liverpool midfielder Fabinho. 

The lowdown: Fitness scare

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp confirmed earlier this week that he had a fully fit squad to choose from ahead of the trip to face Premier League title rivals Manchester City at the Etihad.

That's despite concern over the availability of defensive midfielder Fabinho after the Brazilian was involved in a nasty head collision with ex-City ace Nicolas Otamendi against Benfica.

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-27/" title="Latest Liverpool transfer news!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

However, having returned to complete the game following treatment, it appears that the 28-year-old has avoided further complications and will be available for the crucial clash, not requiring concussion protocols.

The latest: Mills reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former Manchester City defender Mills was asked for his thoughts after the news of Fabinho's all-clear, predicting the ex-Monaco star will have a big impact on the outcome.

“It’s a really intriguing game.

“Man City will try and do what they always do. They’ve had to patch up their defence a bit but you expect that to be a bit better with Kyle Walker coming back in and Joao Cancelo going to left-back. They are two outstanding full-backs.

“On the other side, you’ve got Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz. Fabinho is critical for them in the holding role.

“It’s going to be toe-to-toe. It could be one of those games that is a thrilling 0-0. It’s going to be a fantastic game of football it’s just about whether the goals come. Even in great games, goalkeepers have worldies, defenders have worldies.

“There might be half-chances and nearly moments because the defenders are equally as good as the forwards.”

The verdict: Key player

Although many may point towards the attacking prowess in the Anfield ranks, or indeed the defensive solidity provided by Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho's importance at the base of the midfield cannot be underestimated.

Dubbed the 'lighthouse' by coaches on Merseyside, the defensive midfielder has produced 1.5 interceptions and 1.9 tackles on average per game in 38 appearances across all competitions this season (WhoScored).

So often among the first names on the team-sheet, having started 21 Premier League outings this term, if Liverpool are going to prevail against the current table-toppers Fabinho's presence will indeed be crucial to Klopp's side.

In other news, 'Huge' update emerges involving Liverpool star. Find out who it is here.