Liverpool star Fabinho's father has died, with the midfielder's wife Rebeca Tavares confirming the sad news on social media.
Fabinho missed Thursday’s training session at the AXA Centre before Rebeca announced the passing of Joao Roberto on Friday morning.
Mrs Tavares posted: “Morning y’all. For those who are asking on Instagram …. Fabinho’s father has passed. He will be missed.”
A picture and further message accompanied her post, which read: "Father-in-law, you will always be remembered with that smile and that passion.
"I thank God for the privilege of knowing you. Your grandchildren will know the exact grandfather they had.
"I love you. I'll take good care of [Fabinho]."
Hundreds of Reds fans replied to Rebeca's message on Twitter to offer condolences to the family.
Liverpool were without Alisson Becker for the win against Sheffield United last season after the sudden passing of his father, Jose, was announced in Brazil.
It’s likely that Fabinho will be given similar compassionate leave as a result, allowing him to sit out the visit from Sean Dyche’s Clarets on Saturday lunchtime.
Liverpool asked for Alisson’s privacy to be respect at the time earlier this year and will hope his fellow Brazilian will be afforded the same courtesy over the coming days.
