Huge blow: Liverpool suffer late injury setback before Villarreal, Klopp surely gutted – opinion

Jurgen Klopp has been dealt a huge injury blow regarding Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino.

The Brazilian forward missed out on the Reds’ victories against Manchester United and Everton due to an ongoing foot injury.

In Tuesday’s press conference, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp gave an update on the No.9’s status coming into the Champions League semi-final clash against Villarreal.

Asked whether the Brazilian would feature against Unai Emery’s side, Klopp said: “I don’t think [he is ready] yet. He is running outside and that’s good, obviously, but I am not sure. Maybe somebody will surprise me afterwards and tell me, ‘Yes, Bobby is in.’ [I will have] open arms, but I don’t think so.”

The boss also covered the status of his squad overall, adding: “Apart from that [Firmino injury] no [new injuries] that I know yet.”

The absence of Firmino against a side who are expected to employ a low-block will be a huge blow for Klopp, who would have benefitted from his intricate dribbling and textbook passing against Villarreal tonight.

The 30-year-old has been a fundamental part of their Champions League progression this season. Despite only starting in 20% of the fixtures for Klopp in this year’s tournament, the Brazilian has achieved five goals in just six appearances.

Despite Diogo Jota’s sensational 21 goals this season, Klopp would have arguably preferred to start Roberto Firmino, with his ‘false-9’ style offering a potential stabiliser in the opponent’s final-third and his defensive metrics, in relation to his position, also an outstanding option in comparison to Jota or Mane.

Whilst his average of three shot-creating actions per match equal Jota’s offering, it’s his passing that sets him apart as a centre-forward, with his average