Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino is set to sit out Sunday’s Carabao Cup showdown with a groin injury that has sidelined him of late.
Jurgen Klopp’s deputy Pep Lijnders sounded out confirmation in his pre-match remarks of Firmino being in line to miss the forthcoming cup final over the weekend at Wembley with Liverpool facing off against bitter rivals Chelsea.
Diogo Jota, however, is expected to prove his fitness levels in time for Sunday’s high-billed outing in the English capital with the Portugal forward taking part in training drills to provide his side with the firepower in the final third.
“Bobby we have to see in the next two days. He is pushing himself really hard but he will not be available for the final, to reach the squad.
“We hope he will be back really soon because you all see and know and feel 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.”
Jota’s absence in recent games with an ankle issue had opened the door for January signing Luis Diaz to join Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in the attacking ranks.
Diaz could be set for another starting opportunity for his new side come Sunday with the Columbian international proving himself to be an exciting fit at Anfield in front of the goal.
