Liverpool will give Diogo Jota every opportunity to prove his fitness for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final but are resigned to being without Roberto Firmino against Chelsea.
Jota and Firmino have missed Liverpool’s past two games as a result of ankle ligament and adductor injuries respectively and the Brazil international has not recovered for the club’s first Wembley final since 2016. The Portugal international, instrumental in Liverpool’s run to the final, faces “a challenge” to be fit, according to the assistant manager, Pepijn Lijnders, although his rehabilitation work will continue in the buildup. A forward line of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané and the new signing Luis Díaz has scored nine goals in the two games without their fellow forwards.
Lijnders said: “Bobby is pushing himself really hard but he will not be available for the final. We hope he will be back really soon because you all know how important he is for our way of playing, so I am happy that he is pushing himself. Hopefully he is soon back.
“Jota, so far no reaction on the things he did – so the straight-line running, the changes of direction and the ball work he did – so that’s a good sign. He isn’t ruled out but still it will be a challenge.”
Jürgen Klopp has confirmed Caoimhín Kelleher will start in place of Alisson in goal as reward for his impressive form in the Carabao Cup this season. Liverpool’s captain, Jordan Henderson, believes the decision is fully justified.
“He’s been outstanding in everything he has done,” said Henderson of the 23-year-old, who will be making only his eighth appearance of the season. “He’s a fantastic lad, very level-headed, and as a keeper his shot stopping is fantastic, his distribution is amazing and he’s so calm as well. He’s learning from the best keeper in the world day in, day out, which will help him.
“He’s always had that calmness about him; even when he makes big saves he has that calming presence about him which I really like. It will be a big moment for him at the weekend but he has to just keep doing what he’s been doing because he’s been fantastic.”
