Liverpool boosted their chances of completing a famous quadruple this season following Wednesday’s 2-0 victory over Villarreal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final, as they now head into next week’s reverse fixture with a huge advantage.
Another boost for the Reds is that they suffered no fresh injuries from the midweek Anfield contest, although they were without three players for that game, and Jurgen Klopp will be sweating over the fitness of the trio ahead of Saturday’s trip to Newcastle United.
Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at Anfield and the expected return dates for those currently on the sidelines.
Roberto Firmino
Roberto Firmino continues his recovery from a foot injury that he sustained following the 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals on April 16, which has kept him out of Liverpool ’s last three games in all competitions despite the fact it wasn’t thought to be too serious.
There was supposed to be a good chance that he would return to action last weekend, with Klopp revealing on April 22 that it was all down to the 30-year-old as to whether he would play or not. However, he has missed the following two games but is expected to face a late fitness test again ahead of Saturday’s clash with Newcastle.
Speaking on Tuesday, ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Villarreal, Klopp said: "I don't think [he is ready] yet. He is running outside, but I am not sure. Maybe somebody will surprise me afterwards and tell me, 'Yes, Bobby is in.' but I don't think so."
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Curtis Jones
Young midfielder Curtis Jones was absent from the matchday squad for his side’s 2-0 victory over Villarreal on Wednesday due to suffering with a bout of illness, which rendered him unfit for action against the Spanish outfit, although it has not been confirmed as Covid-19.
Jones last featured in the FA Cup victory over Man City on April 16 after coming on as a substitute, before being included in the matchday squads for the following victories over Manchester United and Everton.
Should the 21-year-old make a quick recovery, then he could be back in contention to feature in the matchday squad for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle, but if he has tested positive for Covid-19, then he will most likely miss out once again this weekend.
Kostas Tsimikas
Left back Kostas Tsimikas was also absent from the matchday squad for Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Villarreal on Wednesday through illness, and it has yet to be confirmed as to whether he is suffering from Covid-19 or not.
Tsimikas last featured in the 3-3 draw with Benfica in the second leg of his side’s Champions League quarter-final tie on April 13, playing the full 90 minutes, before being included in the matchday squads for the following three games before the midweek tie with Villarreal.
The Greek international was not present during Liverpool’s open training session on Tuesday, but should he make a quick recovery, then he could be back in contention to feature in the matchday squad for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle, but if he has tested positive for Covid-19, then he will most likely miss out once again this weekend.
