Liverpool have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of their game against Manchester United, as forward Roberto Firmino is now available for selection.
The Reds have been frustrated in their opening two games of the new Premier League season, having been held by both Fulham and Crystal Palace, leaving them four points behind likely title rivals Manchester City already.
This heightens the pressure on Jurgen Klopp’s side heading into their North West derby encounter with United at Old Trafford on Monday.
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Klopp was expected to be faced with a dilemma in his forward line, with a lack of options available to the German boss. Darwin Nunez is suspended for three games after being dismissed on Monday night after headbutting Palace defender Joachim Andersen, while both Firmino and Diogo Jota missed that game due to injury.
This would’ve left Klopp without a traditional number nine, and while Jota will still be out, it’s now been revealed that Firmino will be available.
Goal reported that the Brazilian was absent against the Eagles purely for precautionary measures and now Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that he is 'ready' to take on Eric Ten Hag’s struggling outfit.
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This negates this selection headache for Klopp, who may have been forced to find an innovative but imperfect solution in this position, such as opting for youngster Fabio Carvalho as a false nine.
Firmino will now likely start with Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz, who scored a brilliant solo goal to salvage a point for the Merseysiders against Patrick Vieira’s side, either side of him.
The 30-year-old has been an integral part of Klopp’s success at Anfield over the years, having made 329 appearances across seven seasons, scoring 98 times.
Despite this positive injury news, the Champions League runners-up still have concerns in the middle of the park.
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Thiago Alcantara and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are still out, and Naby Keita is reportedly unhappy with his position at the club.
The German manager could call on teenager Harvey Elliott to step into this area once again.
Topics: Liverpool, Roberto Firmino, Manchester United
Alfie Culshaw