Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Roberto Firmino and Naby Keita will miss Monday’s Premier League match against Leicester City due to injuries.
Liverpool duo Firmino and Keita sidelined again
Firmino, who will become a free agent at the end of the season, sustained a muscular problem before last month’s match against Nottingham Forest and has missed the last five matches.
Keita, who will also leave the club when his contract expires this summer, has been out for 12 Premier League games due to a muscular issue. Klopp said that while Firmino could return after Monday’s match, Keita will not be available.
Liverpool have won their last six matches and are currently fifth in the Premier League standings, with a chance to qualify for the Champions League if they continue their winning streak.
Klopp targets midfield overhaul, reassures players’ interest
Klopp has expressed his intention to overhaul the midfield during the summer transfer market and said that Liverpool are still an attractive destination for players despite the possible lack of Champions League football next season.
“When I talk to a player – if I’m allowed to talk to a player – we cannot say in the moment if we have Champions League football.
So, if we’re already talking, then it is already clear that he already knows about that situation. But it’s just a general thing. I think if you join a club, you reach something together with the club.”
He went on,
“It’s obvious we have to be part of the Champions League, fight for trophies and these kind of things. If you want to be part of that, you’re more than welcome.
We cannot guarantee this year Champions League football.
But all the rest is the same as before: a fantastic club with a really good football team – and a better one hopefully next year.
It’s really that simple. Still Liverpool. We’re really attractive to a lot of players.”
Injuries pile up for Liverpool ahead of Leicester clash
Klopp’s pre-match press conference confirmed that Firmino and Keita have not rejoined team training and will not be available for the Leicester match.
Klopp suggested that Firmino could potentially return to the squad after Monday’s match against Leicester but it remains to be seen if Keita will play again for the club before his contract expires. Klopp told reporters,
“No, they 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 in the session, I would be surprised. I assume that we start with him team training-wise after the Leicester game. And Naby, no.”
There is a possibility that Keita may have played his final game for the club due to his ongoing injury concerns. Liverpool’s injury concerns do not stop with Firmino and Keita. Stefan Bajcetic, Calvin Ramsay, and Thiago Alcantara are also struggling with long-term injuries.
Klopp’s team will face a challenging match against relegation-battling Leicester on Monday without Firmino and Keita. Liverpool have surged up to fifth place in the standings, one point behind Manchester United and three worse off than Newcastle United.
However, Man United and Newcastle both have a game in hand on their Merseyside rivals and can move out of sight when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United respectively on Saturday.
Passionate about the beautiful game and dedicated to Liverpool FC, where “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is not just a slogan, but a way of life. I live and breathe football, from the roar of the Anfield crowd to the tactical intricacies of the sport.
My expertise lies in dissecting the transfer market, tracking player movements, and uncovering the hidden gems destined for greatness. Whether it’s discussing potential signings, analyzing match strategies, or celebrating the brilliance of players, I’m always ready for a football conversation.
