Roberto Firmino will face a late fitness test to see whether he can be involved in Liverpool’s game against Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow.
According to The Mirror, the 30-year-old could still miss out on a place in Jurgen Klopp’s squad. A call will reportedly be made before the match.
Firmino has missed Liverpool’s last five games since being injured during the FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City.
The Brazilian travelled with the squad to Villarreal as part of the non-playing staff. Firmino has since returned to training, but may still have to wait for his return.
No need to rush
It’s been frustrating to have Firmino out of action so many times this season. A lot has been said about Liverpool’s ‘fantastic five’ up-front, but it has been reduced to four for much of the second half of the campaign.
Regardless, the four of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota have largely done the business for Liverpool.
Because of that, it’s important that Jurgen Klopp doesn’t rush Bobby back into action.
Liverpool’s number 9 seems to have some recurring issues which may need to managed. The Reds have so many big games coming that it would be wise not to risk Firmino until he is fully ready.
Still so much to offer
A fully fit Firmino is still a brilliant option for Klopp to have. His skillset is something not possessed by any of the manager’s other forwards.
Although Mane has been fantastic through the middle recently, he still doesn’t hold the ball up as well as Bobby. This can sometimes leave Liverpool exposed and out of shape.
Against the pace of Real Madrid in the Champions League final for example, Firmino can be counted on to keep the ball high up the pitch for Liverpool.
Hopefully that’s the last of Bobby’s time on the treatment table this season. When fit he has been prolific during 2021/22. If he can string some good performances together, he still may be in line for a deal that stretches beyond 2023.
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