- Firmino out of Man City clash
- Picked up calf problem in training
- Joins Jota, Diaz on forward injury list
WHAT HAPPENED? The injury was sustained ahead of Thursday's blockbuster league cup clash, leaving Jurgen Klopp with few offensive options. The German is already without Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz to calf and knee issues, respectively, with the latter star having his return date pushed back to March after it was revealed he would need surgery.
WHAT THEY SAID: Klopp revealed the reason behind Firmino's absence to Sky Sports before the match: "We play mainly with the players who could do all the sessions now and had a break – apart from Bobby, who unfortunately got injured two days ago in training. Not a big one but big enough for this period. That's why Darwin is now starting."
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Alongside Liverpool's injury woes up front, Firmino joins Naby Keita and Arthur Melo on an ever-growing injury list, as Klopp also ruled out defender Virgil van Dijk for the tie after his World Cup exploits with the Netherlands. Manchester City, meanwhile, will only be without forward Julian Alvarez as he returns late from international duty following Argentina's triumph in the final.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
Getty ImagesNext Match
Getty Images
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR FIRMINO? With little news on the severity of the injury, Firmino will hope to be back in action for Liverpool's Premier League return against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.