Jurgen Klopp thinks £29m Liverpool player will miss Monday’s game now

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Jurgen Klopp says Roberto Firmino is getting closer to full fitness, but will miss Monday’s game with Leicester City.

Firmino hasn’t played since a late cameo in the 6-1 win over Leeds United last month. With just three games of his Liverpool career left, there had been a growing worry that he wouldn’t make another appearance for the club.

But speaking in his pre-match press conference this morning, Klopp suggested that Firmino may be ready for the Aston Villa game next Saturday. Asked for an update on Firmino and Naby Keita, Klopp said that Monday’s trip to the King Power Stadium will come too soon for Bobby, but he is progressing.

“No, they [Firmino and Keita] are not in team training yet,” said the manager. “I saw Bobby in training, he looks like pretty much nearly there, but I don’t think he will be there for the weekend.

“I wold be surprised to go out now and see him in the session. I would assume we will start with him in team training after the game, and Naby, no.”

Firmino prepares for Anfield farewell

This is super news from Jurgen this morning. Providing there are no more setbacks, it looks like Bobby will get his farewell Anfield appearance next weekend.

Even if it’s only for a brief time from the bench, it will be important to the fans, Klopp and Firmino himself to get the chance to properly say goodbye.

Who knows, maybe the £29m man will have one more magical Anfield moment in him. With Liverpool still chasing top-four, the possibility for some heroics is still there. How good would that be?

As for Keita, well, his Liverpool career looks like ending the same way the most of it has ultimately gone: injured. What a disappointment the Guinean has ended up being.

While Firmino will be given an emotional farewell after writing his name into Liverpool history, Keita’s exit will barely register.

With the likes of Adrian and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also heading off after extended spells at the club, it’ll be a strange day at Anfield next week.

Adrian, and Keita are desperately unlikely to get any minutes on the pitch. Ox may get a final run-out to say goodbye, but his has been an underwhelming six years at Liverpool, too. Meanwhile, Firmino and James Milner will get the farewell their stunning service to the club has deserved. A sad day is coming, but at least we’ll see Bobby in the famous red at least once more.