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Fabinho has eased Liverpool fears of a defensive crisis, by returning to light training.

That is huge news for boss Jurgen Klopp, with his Premier League-leading Reds facing a pivotal Premier League clash with Leicester next week without a fit or available recognised right-back.

The Anfield manager has James Milner suspended for the game next Wednesday, and injury worries surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez and even youngster Ki-Jana Hoever.

Fabinho limping out of the game against Crystal Palace last weekend with what was feared a serious hamstring injury left only 18-year-old Rafael Camacho, who is really a winger, to fill in on the right side of defence.

(Image: AFP/Getty)

But Liverpool medics are now extremely hopeful Fabinho will be fit to play once the Reds return to England from their warm-weather training camp in Dubai.

The 24-year-old is Brazil’s first choice right-back after playing there for much of his career before being converted into a central midfielder by previous club Monaco.

And it is understood he came through a rehab session with physios in Dubai to take the first steps back towards fitness in time for the Leicester game.

(Image: EMPICS Sport)

Liverpool will handle his return carefully but are confident the injury wasn’t as serious as first thought. His availability would be a major bonus for Klopp as he looks to stay four points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.

Midfielder Gini Wijnaldum will be fit to return, which would allow Fabinho to play right-back.

That would solve Liverpool’s immediate injury woes, with Alexander-Arnold expected back for the trip to West Ham a week on Monday.

Gomez could be ready by then, too.

The young England international is due to return to training in the next few days, which would give him a chance of being available to face the Hammers.

Milner will also be back then after serving a one-match ban for a red card brought about by two bookable offences against Palace.

* LIVERPOOL have agreed terms to sign 16-year-old French junior international Billy Koumetio, who was previously on schoolboy terms at Lyon. The defender, who had a trial with the Reds in November, will join their academy from Ligue 2 side US Orleans.