Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Roberto Firmino will not be available for selection against Leeds United this weekend.
Liverpool head into this game with a number of injury issues. Takumi Minamino and Harvey Elliott both picked up problems while on international duty and will have to be assessed, while Firmino is out of action.
Klopp was of course asked about the debacle surrounding the Reds’ Brazilian players this weekend, and while Alisson and Fabinho have now been cleared to play, Firmino is out with an injury.
WHAT’S BEEN SAID?
Klopp gave an update on Firmino and the other Brazilians in his squad.
“Bobby will not be available because of injury. It’s a really tricky situation. We shouldn’t forget the players wanted to play these games (for Brazil) and clubs wanted to let them go but it just was not possible,” Klopp said.
JOTA TO START
Luckily, this isn’t as big a blow as it would have been a few years ago for Liverpool.
Indeed, Diogo Jota’s arrival last summer means the Brazilian is no longer the Reds’ only quality option as a centre-forward, and we’d expect the Portuguese ace to start at Elland Road.
Jota has had a fine start to the season, netting two goals in three games, and against a Leeds team that leaves a lot of space at the back, he could get a lot of joy.
Firmino will undoubtedly be a miss, but it won’t be the biggest blow the Reds could receive at this time.
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