Huge blow: Liverpool suffer big setback before Carabao Cup final, fans surely gutted - opinion

Liverpool have suffered a major setback ahead of their Carabao Cup final against Chelsea this weekend…

Roberto Firmino picked up an injury against Inter in the Champions League, before then missing the Premier League clashes against both Norwich City and Leeds United respectively.

Now, The Daily Mail have claimed that the Brazilian has damaged his adductor muscle and will now not be available for the big final against Thomas Tuchel’s side.

While Diogo Jota may have usurped Firmino in the starting line-up since his big-money move from Wolves, there’s no questioning that the latter remains a vital part of Liverpool’s squad.

Speaking after a particularly impressive performance against Southampton in a 4-0 win a couple of seasons ago, Klopp said: “He is (unique). He is just exceptional, a very football-smart person, obviously.

“In the first half, in between a really tight formation of Southampton, the way he drops and keeps the ball, how he makes things happen is very special, absolutely. How he uses the skills of his mates is special. I do not know a player like him, that is true.”

Meanwhile, earlier this season, his teammate, Sadio Mane, similarly raved about Firmino and the influence and impact he has on this Reds team.

He said: “I have always said – and I will say it again – that without Firmino we wouldn’t be the same. In the five years I have been playing with him you can see how many passes and how many assists he has provided.”

Firmino has shown his ability to step up for the big games, not least as recently as the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash against Inter when he scored a fine header.

Being without someone of his quality for a cup final is sure to be a massive blow and leave Klopp and the