Roberto Firmino missed out on Liverpool’s Carabao Cup clash against English champions Manchester City due to an injury. The Reds lost the match to City 2-3. Jurgen Klopp confirmed that the Liverpool forward was out due to the injury he suffered in training.
The Brazillian forward featured in both of Liverpool’s mid-season friendlies against Lyon and AC Milan. Thus, the player was expected to play on Thursday too. However, as per Klopp, the Brazilian suffered the injury earlier this week before the match.
Firmino has looked in good nick this season so far. In his 21 appearances this season, he has registered 9 goals and 4 assists in all competitions.
Roberto Firmino not the only player ruled out due to injury
Some of the other Merseyside’s key players were absent yesterday as well. Players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho and Van Dijk. Moreover, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also ill. James Milner was also subbed off in the 38th minute.
Klopp added that Milner’s injury is not serious. As for Trent, he said:
“We thought Trent was available but then he got ill, so that is what we have to wait for.”
Virgil Van Dijk was available still he didn’t make an appearance yesterday. Klopp had this to say for the absence of their star defender:
“Just Virgil only arrived yesterday. We gave him two days more because he’s really our all-time player.”
“Just Virgil only arrived yesterday. We gave him two days more because he’s really our all-time player.”
Looks like Klopp doesn’t want to take any further risks with his players. Van-Dijk will be returning when the Reds lock horns with Aston Villa on boxing day.
Klopp unhappy with the absence of VAR
The Liverpool manager has complained that VAR should have been used in their yesterday’s match against City. According to the rules, VAR will not be used until the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Reds manager said this in reference to Haaland’s goal. He felt that he was offside and the goal should have been ruled out. Furthermore, he added that this wrong decision impacted the match in City’s favor.
