Klopp admits Liverpool need break as he reveals Fabinho injury concern

Jurgen Klopp admits he is relieved Liverpool are out of action for more than a week as he grapples with a defensive crisis.

The Reds manager saw stand-in right-back James Milner sent off and potential replacement Fabinho hobble off with a hamstring injury during a dramatic 4-3 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday at Anfield.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez sidelined and Nathaniel Clyne on loan at Bournemouth, Klopp has few options on the right of defence.

However, Liverpool's next fixture is not until Leicester City visit on January 30.

And Klopp said: “I would imagine Milly out now and Fabinho for sure a doubt, it would have been a massive challenge if we should play on Wednesday and Saturday again.

“I've no idea how we would have done that. It would be now two days recovery for the boys with the most minutes. The others train and then we start preparation for the Leicester game which is another tough task.

“But it won't be a real break. We will use it for training.”

Alexander-Arnold, who penned a new long-term deal earlier in the day, was absent with a knee injury.

And of the 20-year-old's chances of being available for Leicester, Klopp added: “I don’t know. From day to day, that is what everyone tells me.

“Trent is a very quick healer so that gives us at least a little hope. We have to see.”

Milner will now serve a one-match ban after being dismissed late on by referee Jon Moss for two bookable offences on Palace winger Wilfried Zaha.

“Zaha had a really good game, he had gave us a lot of things to solve,” said Klopp.

“Milly did outstandingly well, but you cannot defend him alone. Apart from the first Palace goal which he set up, we could defend him (Zaha).”