Jurgen Klopp has suffered a big blow ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley as Roberto Firmino will not overcome his injury, according to the Daily Mail.
The Brazilian has been out of action for the Reds’ past two Premier League fixtures due to adductor muscle damage. His issue stopped the 30-year-old from building on his goal off the bench at Inter Milan in the Champions League after breaking the San Siro deadlock.
Firmino entered the action as a half-time substitute against the Serie A champions before netting in the 75th-minute. The goal was his eighth of the campaign in all competitions so far this season. He has also laid on four assists over 24 appearances, starting 13, to date.
Klopp expressed hope that Firmino would be available to face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final earlier this week. The German shared, via the Liverpool club website, that he looked great in training. But he also added it was ‘too early’ to say if he stood a chance of playing.
Firmino’s absence vs Chelsea a big blow for Liverpool and Klopp
Unfortunately for Liverpool and Klopp, Firmino has not made enough progress with his recovery from injury to now face Chelsea. So, the Anfield natives will be without the man who led their attack in their quarter and semi-final ties against Leicester City and Arsenal.
Firmino’s absence will be a big blow for Klopp, who has dubbed the Brazilian ‘exceptional’ previously. The £29m former Hoffenheim star has a strong record against Chelsea so far in his career. He boasts two goals and three assists against the Blues in 14 prior meetings.
Liverpool have also beaten Chelsea six times and drawn four in the 14 games that Firmino has played. Two of the attacker’s four losses to the Blues have been as a substitute, as well.
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