Liverpool have been handed a fresh injury scare as Klopp has revealed that both Roberto Firmino and Lucas Leiva are doubtful for the game against West Ham United this weekend. The Reds have been having an inconsistent season and now, to add to it, it looks like Firmino and Leiva might miss the all important game against West Ham.
Both the Brazilians have a late fitness test and will be assessed before the game. It would be a significant blow not to have them ready as Liverpool need to win the remaining games to salvage a top-4 finish.
Liverpool are currently placed 3rd in the table with 70 points, with Manchester City and Arsenal chasing closely with a game in hand on the Reds. Simply put, Liverpool need to win both the remaining games to finish in the top-4, assuming that both Arsenal and Manchester City win their games in hand as well.
Though Firmino and Lucas are doubtful to face West Ham United, they will surely be available for the final game of the season, which is at home against Middlesbrough. However, Klopp is hoping that the duo recovers in time to face the Hammers.
Klopp also said that they have been careful with Firmino in the last few weeks by managing his intensity in training as he already suffered an injury earlier in March.
Jurgen Klopp was quoted by Daily Mail,
“We are struggling a little bit with Roberto again and Lucas Leiva this week. After the game they felt something, we have to wait and see what they can do there. I have said a few times as long as we have 11 we will be fine. For a few weeks we have had to manage Roberto’s intensity in training and all that stuff. He feels another muscle a little bit. Roberto is a real mentality player, he wants always to be involved and we need to make decisions for him.”
Hopefully, both the players recover on time and help Liverpool achieve a top-4 finish, which would be really essential as it would determine the club’s future in terms of transfer dealings as well.
