Liverpool are without Roberto Firmino as expected for today’s Champions League semi-final clash with Villarreal.
The Brazilian forward was absent from Premier League victories over rivals Manchester United and Everton as the result of a lingering foot problem and though he’s stepping up his recovery, is set to miss out again this evening for the first-leg tie at Anfield.
“I don’t think [he is ready] yet,” Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp told reporters on Tuesday. “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.
“Apart from that, no [new injuries] that I know yet.”
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Elsewhere, Klopp has largely a fully-fit squad from which to choose. Both Jordan Henderson and Luis Diaz started the Everton win on the bench but return to start, with the latter’s ability to create something out of nothing potentially crucial against Unai Emery’s low block.
The same goes for Thiago Alcantara, with Naby Keita dropping out of midfield in place of captain Henderson. Ibrahima Konate, meanwhile, scored in both quarter-final legs against Benfica and replaces Joel Matip in the heart of defence.
Starting XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago, Salah, Mane, Diaz
Subs: Adrian, Kelleher, Milner, Keita, Gomez, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Minamino, Jota, Origi, Matip, Williams, Elliott
