Liverpool team news: Liverpool receive a huge update on Roberto Firmino’s availability ahead of Champions League’ clash against Barcelona.
Liverpool are travelling to Barcelona as they prepare to take on Ernesto Valverde’s side in the Champions League Quarterfinals. The Reds forward Roberto Firmino was not part of the squad which mauled Huddersfield Town 5-0 on Friday night.
The Brazilian International had a slight tear on his groin, but he has eased fears by training on Tuesday ahead of the huge clash. Roberto Firmino has been an integral player for the Reds and his absence could have caused a turmoil in the front line because he is the main reason for the linkage between midfield and forward department.
Roberto Firmino is stepping up his gear to another level in the Champions League. The 27-year-old has scored 14 goals and set up his teammates on 9 occasions from 23 appearances. Those figures are just second best to the record Champions League winner Cristiano Ronaldo since the kick start of last season.
The former Hoffenheim forward has been used as an attacking midfielder this season which would decrease the defensive duties for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Despite being used in that position, Firmino has scored 16 and has 8 assists to his name this campaign, making himself the third highest scorer in the Reds roster after his teammates Salah and Mane.
He is in the integral cog for Liverpool’s high-intensity pressing and Jurgen Klopp would want his name on the team sheet at any cost on Wednesday night. After getting thumbs up to train on Tuesday, Firmino will be included in the squad, but only time will tell if he would feature in the starting lineup.
There were many rumours about Mohamed Salah’s injury in training, but that particular news has been turned down by various English outlets after the Egyptian trained without any limbos in the open media session.
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Liverpool will play FC Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League Semifinals on Wednesday followed by the huge clash against Newcastle United at St.James Park four days later. The second leg will take place at Anfield on Tuesday.
