Liverpool Forward Could Miss Out Against Burnley

You’re not going to like it. Let’s just get that out of the way right here at the beginning. I didn’t like it when I heard it. And I take no pleasure in relaying it to you. But that’s the job before me, unfortunately. So, you’d better sit down. It’s about Roberto Firmino. And it’s not good, obviously. It’s not terrible, let’s not overreact about a football player. But, still, it’s not good. It’s not good heading into the match against Burnley where we’re all going to be a bit nervous because of Liverpool’s weird thing with teams lower down the table. But here it is: Firmino has not been training this week. I repeat, Roberto Firmino has not been training this week.

Jürgen Klopp revealed in his pre-Burnley press conference today that Roberto had picked up something during the match against Arsenal.

“Roberto Firmino struggles a little,” said Klopp. “He felt something after the game and this week he couldn’t train.

“So, we need to wait a little bit more and see.”

Firmino has found himself to be almost 100% available this season, having only sat out one game through injury. You could say he’s due for a breather in the stands but I don’t really think that’s the Brazilian forward’s style. I think he’ll be doing all he can to be match fit on Sunday. So, don’t lose hope. In fact, do what you can at home to send good vibes. Perform a fitness dance or cut your top knot if you have one. Up to you.

Both Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge remain sidelined with stuff. Henderson is still dealing with his foot thing. And Sturridge is presumably still nursing his hip injury and would likely be unfit anyway having missed out on so many training sessions of late.

The situation with Dejan Lovren is still iffy. He could be ready to step in and partner with Joël Matip in the center of defense or he could just as well find himself on the bench again holding a ‘Break glass in case of emergency sign.’

“We will see what we do with Dejan Lovren,” said Klopp. “No decision yet.”

No disrespect to Ragnar Klavan intended. The Klav has played very well for Liverpool at times this season and the match against Arsenal was a strong showing from the Estonian man. But Lov-tip is the combo to get behind right now. And for the record, I also like Jo-jan.