Injury News: Klopp hints at Roberto Firmino missing Villarreal clash tonight

Jurgen Klopp hints at Roberto Firmino missing first-leg of Champions League semi-final between Liverpool and Villarreal

Speaking in his pre-match presser as quoted by the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hints that Roberto Firmino is most likely to miss out on the first leg of their semi-final UEFA Champions League clash against Villarreal.

Klopp stated that it could be too soon for the Brazilian international to make his return against the Spanish club. The club may also be without Kostas Tsimikas who wasn’t present, though the reasons for his absence weren’t made clear.

The Yellow Submarine would know the task that awaits them, facing one of the most feared attacking sides in Europe right now. Firmino, in that regard, would have been a useful tool to have in order to help unlock their defence.

That being said, the Merseysiders may have to find a way to defeat Unai Emery’s men without the presence of the 30-year-old striker. Thankfully for them, the likes of Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane have really stepped up to the plate in recent times- especially the Senegalese, who is revelling in a centre-forward role.

Roberto Firmino likely to miss crucial Champions League clash against Villarreal

The German manager stated that Firmino was running outside which is a good sign, but believes that it could still be too soon for his return.

“I don’t think [he is ready] yet. He is running outside and that’s good, obviously, but I am not sure. Maybe somebody will surprise me afterwards and tell me, ‘Yes, Bobby is in.’ [I will have] open arms, but I don’t think so.”

No Bobby magic

The former Hoffenheim player has become an integral part of our attacking setup alongside Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah. His role may have diminished in the last couple of seasons, but still has the ability to significantly impact a match.

The Brazilian international has enjoyed great success in the UCL this season, bagging five goals in six games in the competition to date. The Brazilian has stepped up countless times on such magical European nights but his absence could be a big blow at Anfield today.

Roberto Firmino is a pivotal asset for Liverpool football club. (imago Images)

That being said, the Reds do have the option of Divock Origi up front in case Mane has to be subbed off or rested. The Belgian would possess a world of confidence after putting up an exceptional display against Everton in their latest Merseyside derby.

Diogo Jota is another star that has exceeded expectations since his move from Wolves, and can be deployed centrally. Firmino is one of just two current Liverpool players that started for the Reds the last time they faced Villarreal.

The Brazilian, along with James Milner, played in the second leg of the 2015/16 UEFA Europa League semi-final at Anfield, where the Reds overturned a 1-0 deficit from the first leg to win 3-0 on the night.

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The Spanish club will pose a very different kind of threat, having already eliminated heavyweights such as Juventus and Bayern Munich from the competitions this season. The Reds would be hoping to end this dream run and look to take a step closer to the Champions League.

We hope that the Brazilian can make it in time for the second leg of the crucial fixture. That being said, the Merseysiders do have enough firepower to down Emery’s men but should get too complacent or ignorant about this fact.