Report: ‘Excellent’ Liverpool player very close to returning from injury, could play against Wolves now

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Liverpool are very hopeful of welcoming Roberto Firmino back into the matchday squad for Saturday’s clash with Wolves.

The 31-year-old has missed all four of Liverpool’s games since the season’s restart last month. But with the Reds’ FA Cup defence getting underway this weekend, Goal report that Jurgen Klopp is hoping to be able to call on Bobby.

There is further good news, with James Milner also said to have a good chance of being fit for the match at Anfield. Cody Gakpo is confirmed to be available too, and it’s suggested that he could make his debut against Wolves.

Obviously, Liverpool can’t have it all their own way at the moment, though. The bulk of Goal’s report focuses on the fact that Virgil van Dijk will miss the FA Cup tie, as well as being doubtful for the following Premier League game with Brighton.

Bobby back in the nick of time

In the midst of a pretty bad week for Liverpool so far, this is a little green shoot of recovery.

Firmino’s importance to the Reds may have waned in the past two years, but in the context of this season, he’s now absolutely vital.

With Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota out for the long-term, Liverpool need to count on Bobby. Gakpo’s arrival will of course help, but Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah badly need some help out there.

Gakpo may very well hit the ground running, but he should be given time to bed in if at all possible.

If Firmino is injured, there’s zero chance of that happening. With the Brazilian fit and available, it’s another body to throw in there if the new arrival is struggling to get up to speed.

More than that though, Firmino has been really good this season. His nine goals have often come at crucial times for Liverpool, and he has shown flashes of being back to his best.

This form looks to have done him enough to earn a new contract at Anfield. At the end of the day, the decision over whether he leaves as a free agent this summer looks set to be up to Liverpool’s No.9 himself.

Getting him on the pitch and involved is more likely to lead to a positive decision from Firmino in that respect. So, in more ways than one, it’s good news to have him back. We’re not done yet, Bobby. Sign the thing!

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