Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Roberto Firmino is in line to return for this weekend’s Merseyside derby vs Everton.
The Reds host Frank Lampard’s side on Sunday afternoon having temporarily usurped Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League table. City can hit back with a win over Brighton on Wednesday, but Liverpool have all the momentum after beating both Manchester sides in a matter of days.
Having overcome City at Wembley, Klopp’s men outclassed United and ran out 4-0 winners in a dominant display which underlined their title credentials. It means they remain in the hunt for all four major trophies and what would be an unprecedented quadruple.
In a welcome change from last season’s injury crisis, Klopp has been able to rotate his starting XI, as they battle on numerous fronts. In particular, the Reds have been able to keep their forward four rested and fresh.
Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane all found the net against United, while Diogo Jota came off the bench to register an assist himself. Firmino was the odd man out however and missed out on the squad altogether having picked up a foot injury during the win over City.
But Klopp has suggested that Firmino could be set for a recall against Everton, but admitted there was some concern prior to a scan being conducted.
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“Bobby was not involved because in the very last situation of the City game he got something on his foot. It's not really bad,” and asked if he could be involved against the Toffees, he added. “We hope so.
"Actually, we were a bit worried but the scan was fine. But it's still very painful and that's why there was no chance [against Man United]." The win over the Red Devils also saw Salah end his mini goal drought and was full of praise for not only the front three which started on Tuesday, but the entire team for making his job easier.
“We all play very well in the front three, when Bobby comes in also he plays very well,” Salah explained. “We just try to adapt to each other in training. We know each other more now; me and Sadio and Bobby especially because we played four or five years together.
“Great ball from Sadio [for Salah’s first goal]. He is now playing No.9 more, he is doing an unbelievable job and scoring goals as well. Everybody playing up front is just playing a good game. The most important thing is that the team is winning games.”
Salah added: “The midfield and [defence] make our life easier, they always try to give us the ball in a situation one against one. So they make our life much easier.
“We had a clean sheet here, clean sheet there, so they make our life easier to score. We want to score one goal; once we get the first we want to get the second; once we get the second we go for a third. I think it’s a top performance from us here and away also. Hopefully we just carry on like this.”
