Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that crocked attacker Roberto Firmino has a big chance of playing against Everton on Sunday.
The Brazil international limped off during the Reds’ goalless draw with Manchester United at the weekend. However, the setback does not appear to be as bad as first feared.
Klopp provided an update at his pre match press conference on Tuesday: “It looks good, we were obviously lucky,” he said, as per journalist James Pearce’s personal Twitter account.
“It will be very close for tomorrow but [he has a] big chance for the derby,” he finished.
Klopp on Firmino: "It looks good, we were obviously lucky. It will be very close for tomorrow but big chance for the derby." #LFC
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) February 26, 2019
OPINION
This is tremendous news for Liverpool. You could see how much Klopp’s team missed the 27-year-old when he came off on Sunday, they struggled to create anything of note and looked flat throughout the rest of the game. He is a massive player for this Liverpool side and is vitally important to the way in which they play. He dictates the tempo up front and makes sure his fellow attackers keep up with him. He is also the main creator in this Reds side. It’s undeniable that Liverpool don’t get enough creativity from midfield. If Xherdan Shaqiri isn’t playing or if Georginio Wijnaldum isn’t quite on top of his game, the midfield unit struggle to create chances for the front three. Firmino, however, bridges that gap. He connects the midfield to the attack and it would have been a big blow to be without him against Everton. It looks like he’ll play though, and that’s crucial for Liverpool’s title chances.
