LFC’s Roberto Firmino In Fitness Race for Merseyside Derby

Jurgen Klopp indicates that the Brazilian striker is in contention for Sunday’s clash with Everton.

Roberto Firmino is good. That is an understatement. Especially given that this writer has once indicated that not only is the Brazilian international indispensable to Jurgen Klopp’s side, but that his influence in the attacking movies is akin to that of a black hole: evading what we see on camera often, but indisputably influencing everything in his orbit. He is a unique player.

Any time that such a vital piece to the Liverpool project might be missing will necessarily raise the hackles of the anxieties among the Anfield faithful. And when Firmino was taken at about the half hour mark during the United derby, you could already sense the collective rise in blood pressure and stress-snacking across the world. The comprehensive and resolute display against Watford, in which Sadio Mane was called on to play the role of center forward to great success, went a long way to allay some of those fears. But there is not doubt that Reds fans would all welcome good news on the injury front.

In an effort to be the bearer of good news, then, I present to you...a half-way tidbit. During Jurgen Klopp’s pre-Everton press conference, the gaffer was asked for an update on Roberto Firmino’s status for the match. Klopp indicated that the striker was involved in training and remains a possibility to make the squad on Sunday. He was, however, noncommittal beyond that.

“He was out there in the running yesterday but we have to see how he reacts. I will see him in a few minutes for the first time since yesterday. It looks really good but if he will be ready for Sunday, I don’t know in this second.”

There you have it. Nothing firm, but at the very least it looks as though Bobby isn’t set for a long layoff and may even be available against Everton. Which is good news all around as Liverpool enter the final 10 matches of the Premier League season, owners of a 1 point lead at the top of the table, and in search of their first Premier League title. No pressure, lads.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com