In a pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s showdown against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (via Liverpool Echo‘s Paul Gorst), Jurgen Klopp revealed that Divock Origi is “unlikely” to feature in the match versus the Pensioners but has refused to rule him out of the contest.
Origi Is One Of The Unsung Heroes At Merseyside
This recent development will be a bitter pill to swallow for the Merseyside club as they try to bounce back from their 2-0 midweek defeat away at Napoli. There is no doubt that the Reds missed Origi’s impact off the bench in Naples as Klopp’s talented frontline struggled to find the cutting edge in the final third.
It was a frustrating night for Liverpool, but they have now got a chance to come back strong from that setback by claiming maximum points against Chelsea on Sunday. However, if last season is anything to go by, then Klopp would be aware of what kind of impact the Belgian striker can have on the outcome of the match when he comes off the bench.
Origi scored some memorable goals for the European champions as a substitute last season which includes his winning header against Everton at Anfield and his strike versus Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Champions League final. The 24-year-old doesn’t often get the praise that his performances deserve. However, he has kept his head down and has managed to earn a long-term contract at Anfield through his sheer will to win and to prove his doubters wrong.
Origi ‘Unlikely’ To Play Vs Chelsea: Big Blow For Klopp?
Origi will be a big miss against the Pensioners as he has the potential to influence the outcome of the encounter. With Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino struggling to fire on all cylinders at the moment, Klopp would wish he had the Belgian prospect full fit for the Chelsea game so that he could have offered something different up top.
For now, it seems unlikely that Origi will recover in time to play a part in this upcoming league encounter at the Bridge which will be a massive blow for Klopp and his side’s chances of getting a favourable result on the road.
The former LOSC Lille marksman has found the back of the net once in six appearances for Liverpool this season. With matches coming thick and fast for the UEFA Super Cup winners across all fronts, they would be foolish to rush Origi back for this game against Frank Lampard’s men. The Belgian talent needs to be eased back so that he can hit the ground running when he returns to the playing field soon.
