Liverpool Injury News: Roberto Firmino close to returning but won’t be available for the Leicester game

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Roberto Firmino won’t be part of the squad to take on Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Monday.

The German explained that while the forward is back in training and looks close to being ready, he is yet to train with the team. Hence, the game on Monday may come too early for him.

On the other hand, Klopp has brushed aside any hope of Naby Keita returning to action. The Guinean has been out for some time now, and it looks like he may have already played his last game for Liverpool (contract expiring in the summer).

Here’s what the boss said when asked to give an update on the team news (h/t Liverpool FC Website):

“No, they [Firmino and Keita] were not in team training yet. I saw Bobby in training yesterday and it looks like pretty much [he is] nearly there, but I don’t think he will be in for the weekend. If I go out of here and he will be in the session, I would be surprised. I assume that we start with him team training-wise after the Leicester game. And Naby, no.”

We know Firmino is set to leave the club in the summer. Liverpool only have one home game remaining this season – against Aston Villa next Saturday. The hope is that the Brazilian is fully fit by then and play his farewell game in front of a set of fans who love him to bits (let the tune of ‘Si Senor, give the ball to Bobby and he’ll score’ be sung on repeat).

Coming back to the team news, it is good to know that there are no new absentees from the squad. What this might do is allow Klopp to play his best possible XI that has been doing a good job in the last few games.

We look forward to watching Trent Alexander-Arnold in the hybrid role once again, while Luis Diaz may get a chance from the start to further boost up his match fitness following a long layoff due to injury.

More Liverpool News:

• Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson backs the new forward line to fire next season
• Jurrien Timber talks about his future amidst interest from Liverpool and Manchester United
• Liverpool are in talks with Jorg Schmadtke for a temporary support role only

Irrespective of what happens on Saturday, Liverpool must beat Leicester to keep their top-four hopes alive for another game week.