Liverpool midfielder Fabinho was missing from the Reds' Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday due to ‘illness’, according to Jurgen Klopp.

The Lowdown: Fabinho misses Molineux defeat

The Reds suffered a 3-0 defeat on the road at Molineux on Saturday afternoon, but that wasn’t the only cause for concern to emerge from the game against Julen Lopetegui’s side.

The Brazilian was absent from Klopp’s matchday squad and the Liverpool boss hadn’t suggested that the 29-year-old had sustained any type of injury prior to the showdown in the Midlands, hence why supporters might have initially been fearing the worst.

However, a reassuring update has since been delivered by the German which could put minds at ease…

The Latest: Fabinho’s absence explained

Taking to Twitter shortly after the defeat on Saturday, Pearce relayed an update on Fabinho from Liverpool's manager during the post-match press conference.

The Athletic reporter notified followers: “Klopp says Fabinho was absent today due to illness.”

The Verdict: Relief for Klopp

Despite coming in for strong criticism of his performances this season, Fabinho has been labelled a ‘crucial player’ for Liverpool in the past by journalist Josh Bunting, and it will be a huge relief for Klopp to learn that he doesn't have to contend with yet another injury blow in his heavily-stricken squad.

The Adidas-sponsored maestro currently averages 1.8 tackles per league game and has a pass success rate of 88.5%, highlighting his ability to take control in midfield. Those returns place him in the top four of the Reds' squad for both metrics, so he is still an important figure at Anfield (WhoScored).

Liverpool already have six senior first-team players on the treatment table and Klopp will be relieved to know that Fabinho won't be joining that number, offering a sliver of comfort amid a truly wretched start to 2023 for his team.