Liverpool have been boosted by the news that Roberto Firmino should be fit to return for the Champions League final on 1 June.
The Brazilian forward has long been a key part of the team under Jurgen Klopp and his absence of late has shown the paucity of options available to the boss up front.
Divock Origi has come in and done a superb job in front of goal, scoring late on against Newcastle and twice in the comeback against Barcelona.
But outside the penalty area there’s no doubt Firmino offers somewhat more than his Belgian team-mate, while the tactical flexibility he offers the Reds in dropping to a diamond shape is also a big part of Klopp’s planning.
A groin injury has left the No. 9 sidelined of late, with his cameo off the bench in the first leg against Barca his only outing in the last four matches.
Firmino did train with the squad before that fixture at the Camp Nou, but hasn’t been seen since and he’s still a doubt to feature in the last Premier League game of the season, at home to Wolves.
Chris Bascombe of the Telegraph, however, reports that Firmino’s return to fitness for the Champions League final is assured.
The Brazilian has 16 goals in all competitions this season, including four in Europe, and his availability will be a massive boost to the Reds.
With Andy Robertson also returning to fitness well before the final, it leaves Naby Keita as Liverpool’s only injury absentee for 1 June in Madrid.
Opponents Tottenham are hoping to be able to call upon their own returning striker too, in Harry Kane, though he is still in a race against time after ankle ligament damage.
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