Divock Origi has been ruled out of Liverpool’s Champions League final against Real Madrid on Saturday.
That’s according to The Athletic, who claim that Origi has now definitely played his last game for Liverpool.
The Belgian waved goodbye to Anfield against Wolves on Sunday. But there had been some hope that he could be fit to feature one last time.
Those hopes have now reportedly been dashed, as Origi will have to watch on from the side-lines in Paris.
Time for a new hero?
Origi’s absence from the matchday squad against Real Madrid is a blow for Liverpool. Although he may not have got on the pitch in the ideal scenario, he is always a useful break-glass option in games like these.
If Liverpool are struggling to make any headway with their attack, he can offer something a little bit different.
His presence on the pitch can also sometimes lead to a change of mindset for Liverpool. Origi has been responsible for so many incredible moments that the players start to feel that he is going to provide something.
In finals and big games, that little switch of mentality can make all the difference.
Alas though, it wasn’t to be. Origi leaves Liverpool a cult hero of the highest order at the very least. The goals and moments he has been the catalyst for possibly make him even more than that. As Jurgen Klopp said via liverpoolfc.com in 2019, the Belgian has been ‘exceptional’ for the club.
Hopefully The Reds can get the job done on Saturday and give Div the perfect send-off. The 27-year-old has done his part many times over, it’s time for someone else to step up and be the hero for Liverpool.