Fabinho’s shirt number options at Liverpool have been whittled down further following Xherdan Shaqiri’s arrival at the club.
The Brazilian has sported the no.3 jersey so far in pre-season, but is yet to have been assigned a full-time number since completing his summer move from Monaco.
Whilst there is every chance the midfielder could retain the shirt come the opening game against West Ham, it has also been suggested that it will only be a temporary number for Fabinho.
Shaqiri was handed Jamie Carragher’s famous no.23, most recently worn by Emre Can, upon the completion of his £13million switch from Stoke, leaving Fabinho with even fewer shirt vacancies to choose between.
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It may be that the club is holding out for an imminent departure or the introduction of a new signing before making a firm decision on Fabinho’s number.
Marko Grujic’s no.16, for example, could become available if he re-joins newly-promoted Cardiff City on another season-long loan deal.
The 28 may also fall into surprise consideration as current owner Danny Ings seeks a permanent move this summer in order to gain regular first-team football.
Also potentially heading for the Anfield exit door could be no.15 Daniel Sturridge and no.27 Divock Origi, with both being monitored closely by Jurgen Klopp during pre-season.
Meanwhile, the hunt to find a new no.10 continues following the collapse of a £53million deal for Lyon’s Nabil Fekir at the beginning of June.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will opt to re-enter negotiations when Fekir returns home from the World Cup with finalists France.
Those keen to buy Fabinho shirts from the Liverpool store may have to wait a little longer.