Klopp rules out two Liverpool players for Man United clash but gives positive Firmino update

Jurgen Klopp provides injury updates on Jota, Firmino, and Jones ahead of Manchester United fixture

Speaking in the pre-match conference (h/t Liverpool Echo) ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League game vs Manchester United, Liverpool gaffer Jurgen Klopp shared injury updates on three important first-team players.

Speaking about Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones, he gave a short summary, “no chance”. This puts Liverpool in a fix as it leaves the club with only one fit centre-forward. Roberto Firmino is the only fit option until Darwin Nunez is back from his suspension.

“Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones are both getting closer to fitness, but no chance for Man United game.”

With regards to Firmino, the gaffer said:

“Bobby has trained completely normally and is ready.”

This would nevertheless be a massive boost for the Reds, who would have feared going into this game without a natural centre-forward. Jones, however, could be on the sidelines for a prolonged period of time now. Alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jones is one of the regular first-team midfielders yet to feature this season.

Jota has not featured for the Reds since our loss to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final in May earlier this year. The 25-year-old picked up his thigh injury during the post-season internationals with Portugal. Because of that, he missed all six pre-season friendlies.

Liverpool’s number 20 signed a contract extending until 2027 earlier this month. Jones also last featured in Liverpool’s win against Manchester City in the FA Community Shield game. His calf injury has forced him out for quite a while now. He joins Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Thiago Alcantara on the list of midfield injuries.

In terms of midfield, Jurgen Klopp and his team are pretty thin on options. Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and James Milner are the only fit outright centre-midfielders in the squad. Thiago picked up a hamstring issue in the game against Fulham.

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Positive injury news coming out of the presser is that Roberto Firmino is back training, and Klopp confirmed his fitness to play against Manchester United this Monday. Post which the Reds take on Bournemouth and Newcastle United at Fortress Anfield.