Klopp delighted over Firmino’s return ..

Liverpool has been handed a major injury boost ahead of their Champions League final against Tottenham as manager Jurgen Klopp believes striker Roberto Firmino should be fit for the encounter.

The Brazilian who was key to Liverpool’s success in the recently concluded premier league campaign missed the teams last three matches of the season. Although the coach was enthusiastic about the return of his star man whilst also admitting he was ready to start, however, the German gaffer was reluctant to give away too much information about his lineup.

Klopp said: “Yes, he is ready (to start).”

Pushed on whether he will or not, the German replied: “If Poch afterward says the exact line-up then call me and I’ll tell you.
“He is fit, he has trained and he is here. If nothing happened since he left the plane he should be fine.”

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Firmino is part of Liverpool’s formidable trio of Salah, Mane and himself although he has contributed the fewest number of goals of the three he is however arguably the most pivotal in terms of all-round play.

He averages more passes received at 27 per 90 minutes than both Salah and Mane who average in the lower 20 per 90 minutes.

His fitness means the coach will have to utilize the Brazilian to drop deep to pick up possession of the ball. This then has a domino effect across the front line as one of the two wide attackers will shift inside whilst one of Liverpool’s lethal attacking wing-backs will occupy the vacant wide space.