Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has issued a positive update on Roberto Firmino’s injury in his pre-match press conference ahead of Watford’s visit to Anfield on Wednesday night. When asked whether the Brazilian forward, who picked up an ankle injury against Manchester United, will be available for the clash against the Hornets, Klopp shed some light on Firmino’s ankle injury and said, “He looks good, we were obviously lucky. It is not as serious as we thought in the first moment – if Bobby goes down and leaves the pitch it is always a bad sign because he’s a pretty hard boy.
“We play tomorrow and it will be very close for that, but there’s a big chance for the derby [on Sunday].
“Because it’s Bobby, I would say ‘yes [there is a chance for Watford]’, but I don’t know if I would use that chance because we played Sunday and then Wednesday immediately.
“Writing Bobby off is a big mistake because he recovers pretty quick.”
Klopp’s recent words will be quite encouraging for anyone associated with Liverpool FC as Firmino’s availability over the next few weeks could determine which team ends up lifting the Premier League trophy this summer. The Reds have no room for error as they are occupying the top spot by just one point with Manchester City breathing down their necks with a far superior goal difference to show for their efforts.
Although, it is highly likely that Klopp might opt to play Daniel Sturridge in midweek, yet Firmino could mark his return to first-team action against Everton at the weekend. Hence, this positive injury news will be a big boost for the Merseyside giants which could help them in their quest to put an end to a 29-year wait for the Premier League title.
The 26-year-old has made 36 appearances for the Reds this term, scoring 11 goals while grabbing five assists across all competitions. Even though he has not been able to score goals consistently this season, Firmino has managed to contribute by creating some glorious chances for his teammates in the final third. However, the fact remains that he has come nowhere close to the incredible form he showed last season.
The Brazilian’s ability to unlock the opposition defence will be a huge miss for the Merseyside giants in their match against Watford. Hence, Klopp will now have difficult task to come up with a winning formula for Wednesday night’s clash at Anfield.
