Liverpool may have been handed a potential boost ahead of their crucial showdown against Manchester City.
The Reds are preparing to take on Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad, knowing a victory would move them two points clear of their rivals at the top of the Premier League. And, when speaking to the media on Friday , Jurgen Klopp confirmed he would have his full squad available for today's crucial clash.
But this was shortly thrown into doubt after Roberto Firmino subsequently appeared to be absent from training . The Brazilian forward played the full 90 minutes against Watford last weekend before coming on as a second-half substitute against Benfica on Tuesday.
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However, the 30-year-old has been pictured arriving at the team hotel with the rest of the squad, as reported by The Mirror . As a result, it would seem that Liverpool boss Klopp has all his players in contention to face City and some tough decisions ahead, in terms of his team selection.
Firmino has played against Manchester City more than any other club in all competitions, according toTransfermarkt, registering four goals and assists apiece in 13 Premier League games. The Reds number nine was even used as part of an unorthodox 4-4-2 formation when the two sides played out a 1-1 draw at the Etihad last season.
In a game that is set to be a tense occasion for both sets of supporters, Klopp discussed the challenge in attempting to overthrow City at the top of the Premier League.
“I like watching them,” the Liverpool boss said . ”I cannot say I love a lot of opponents, or competitors, but I really like watching City. So, always when we play them, the analysis is a mix of serious work and real joy…it’s fantastic football.
"It's, like, the next level: where can you go with the football team? They set it up in a special way. They make it really difficult. They make the pitch big in moments. They make the pitch small in the right moments. They have sensational individuals and all these kinds of things. That's the truth.”
