Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Liverpool will once again be without Roberto Firmino for Saturday’s trip to play Newcastle United.
Speaking to the press via Liverpool FC on YouTube, the Liverpool boss also provided an update on Kostas Tsimikas and Curtis Jones. Both players missed Wednesday night’s win over Villarreal through illness.
“We had a little problem with a little area, Curtis and Kostas. Kostas was back yesterday, Curtis couldn’t train yesterday still. These two boys were out,” he said.
Klopp went on to give a little more detail on Firmino’s injury. The forward has missed the last three games, which will now extend to four.
“Bobby, it’s not a serious injury, we’re all still convinced, but it takes a little bit longer than we all thought, especially Bobby thought as well,” said the manager. “He will not be ready for tomorrow. Bobby didn’t train yet, we have to get further information and find a way to get him back.”
Another set-back in what has been a stop-start campaign for Firmino. At times he has been excellent, Klopp said he played ‘outstandingly well’ in the 5-0 drubbing of Manchester United via Liverpool Echo. But too often he has been missing for The Reds.
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Stepping into Bobby’s shoes
With Firmino out of the picture for now, Divock Origi looks to be the man stepping into his shoes.
After the Belgian predictably scored in the last Premier League game against Everton, Ian Wright said that the latter part of the season is ‘Origi territory.’
With trophies on the line, the 27-year-old seems to come into his own. After Luis Diaz made Klopp’s fab four of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Firmino into a five, it looked like his involvement may be over.
But Firmino’s inability to stay fit has opened the door for Origi. He smashed through it last weekend and will be looking to do so again if given the chance against Newcastle.
The Magpies are another team that Divock has form against, having scored a dramatic last-gasp winner at St James’ Park as Liverpool chased the title in 2019.
If things aren’t going well for Klopp’s men on Saturday lunchtime, expect the boss to once more turn to his most trusted of saviours.