Liverpool could be without Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota for the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea
In conversation with Liverpoolfc. com, Jurgen Klopp shed light on the fitness of Liverpool attacking duo Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota in the leadup to the Carabao Cup final this coming Sunday.
The Merseysiders seem to be in fine form at the moment. They are currently in the second spot in the Premier League table, only six points behind leaders Manchester City with a game in hand over them.
The Anfield outfit also managed to churn out a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Inter Milan at the Giuseppe Meazza in their latest UEFA Champions League encounter against Inter Milan. Despite the great result, the Reds had to endure some bad news as Jota and Firmino sustained injuries in the tie which could potentially rule them out for the first major final of the English football season.
The EFL Cup could be the first piece of silverware that the Reds lay their hands on this season with arch-rivals Chelsea being the only obstacle in the way. A victory in the final of the domestic competition could provide some great momentum for the Reds heading into the business end of the season.
When questioned via Liverpoolfc.com about the injuries to Firmino and Jota, Klopp reiterated that the club is doing everything in its power to have the duo available for the game. It is, however, too early to predict anything at the moment:
“Yes, it’s too early. I don’t even know if it will be a late decision or not; how I said, it’s too early. I saw them both today, they both look great – but those two always look great. We have to see how the specific issues develop but we obviously will try everything.”
Why the EFL Cup could be pivotal for Liverpool this campaign?
The Reds struggled with a plethora of injury issues last season which made it difficult for them to compete at the highest level consistently. This meant that the club from Merseyside had to settle for a top-four finish in the Premier League but couldn’t achieve any greater plaudit beyond that.
There seems to be a renewed sense of enthusiasm among the Anfield faithful as the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Thiago Alcantara have got themselves to match fitness. Luis Diaz has been a livewire ever since making the switch to Liverpool and even managed to get his first goal in a Reds jersey against Norwich City in the PL.
The signs seem to be ominous but Liverpool could receive a major blow for the finals of the EFL Cup should Jota or ‘Bobby’ not be available. The former Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker has made a great impact ever since joining the Reds.
Not only has the 25-year-old Portuguese deputized well in the absence of Firmino, Mohammed Salah, or Sadio Mane, but has also managed to make a strong case for a position in the starting lineup based on his performances.
The 30-year-old Brazilian may have had a diminished role this season but his opener against the Nerazzurri in the UCL proves that the striker continues to be a dependable option for the team whenever required.
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Whilst the German manager has assured us that the club will try everything to make Jota and Firmino available for the Cup final, only time can tell as to whether or not that will be a reality. The fans would be hoping that the Reds could get their hands on the illustrious EFL Cup and a victory over arch-nemesis Chelsea could be the perfect icing on the cake should the club be able to achieve that.
