Liverpool midfielder Fabinho has emerged as a doubt for Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea after limping off with an apparent hamstring injury during this evening's Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
The Brazilian had endured a mixed opening 28 minutes before going down and receiving medical attention after clutching the back of his leg.
Fabinho had committed three fouls and given the ball away with loose touches twice in quick succession before his injury, which appeared to occur when chasing back to atone for the second of those loose touches.
The 28-year-old, who was the only one of Liverpool's midfield three to retain his place from Saturday's 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, walked off the field himself and had a brief conversation with manager Jurgen Klopp before being replaced by captain Jordan Henderson.
Fabinho's withdrawal came with the score at 1-1, after Joel Matip had cancelled out Douglas Luiz's effort - both goals coming inside the opening six minutes.
The setback comes just four days before Liverpool face Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley, where the Reds will be bidding for their second trophy of the season.
Klopp's side have already beaten Chelsea in one final at Wembley this season, prevailing in a dramatic penalty shootout to win the EFL Cup in February.
Fabinho's departure looked as though it could be a precaution rather than a serious injury, although the nature of a hamstring injury means that he is now a major doubt for Saturday's final.
The holding midfielder could also be doubtful for Liverpool's crucial Premier League run-in, which sees them face Southampton next Tuesday and Wolverhampton Wanderers on the final day of the season.
Liverpool went into this evening's match against Aston Villa trailing Manchester City by three points at the top of the table following their dropped points against Spurs last weekend.
The Merseyside outfit also still have a Champions League final to look forward to against Real Madrid in Paris on May 28.
Barney Corkhill
