Roberto Firmino concern emerges as Liverpool train for Bayern Munich clash

February 18, 2019
Jack Lusby

Roberto Firmino was absent as Liverpool trained at Melwood on Monday, ahead of their Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.

The Reds take on Niko Kovac’s side at Anfield on Tuesday night, with Jurgen Klopp and his squad fulfilling their media duties in the buildup.

Klopp and Jordan Henderson held their press conference at the stadium earlier in the day, before returning to the training ground for an open session in front of journalists and the LFCTV cameras.

Having confirmed Dejan Lovren as a doubt for the first leg due to an ongoing hamstring problem, the Croatian was not part of Klopp’s squad warming up, and neither was Firmino.

The Liverpool Echo‘s James Pearce has confirmed this is due to the No. 9 suffering from a virus.

It remains to be seen whether he will miss the clash, but this has sparked concerns Klopp could be without another of his key players.

A major boost, either way, was that both Gini Wijnaldum and Xherdan Shaqiri took part in training, after struggling with illness and injury of late respectively.

Shaqiri could take Firmino’s place in the side if he misses out, which could mean Mohamed Salah operates up front in a 4-3-3, though Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi are also options.

Virgil van Dijk trained but is not eligible for midweek due to suspension, with Fabinho expected to partner Joel Matip at centre-back.

Ki-Jana Hoever and Corey Whelan were both part of the squad on Monday, providing youthful cover in defence, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain joined the group as he edges closer to his return from a long-term knee injury.