‘He will be involved’: Klopp claims 30-year-old Liverpool player will be in his squad to face Everton on one condition

 

Jurgen Klopp says that Roberto Firmino will be in Liverpool’s Merseyside Derby squad, but only if the player says he’s ready.

Speaking to the press via Liverpool FC on YouTube ahead of the game, Klopp said the final decision on his involvement will rest with Firmino.

“(Firmino is) getting better and better but it’s still uncomfortable,” said the manager. “We will see (about Sunday). If Bobby gives the thumbs up then he will be involved.”

Firmino had missed the game against Manchester United on Tuesday with an unspecified foot injury.

Firmino in good form

Hopefully Firmino can be involved on Sunday. There’s a chance that Klopp will rotate a few of his regular starters with the Champions League semi-final looming on Wednesday.

With that in mind, Bobby would have likely started against Everton if he were fully fit. He’s been in terrific form recently despite not playing a great deal of football.

The 30-year-old’s last start for Liverpool yielded two well taken goals in-front of the Kop to finish off Benfica.

Since then, he got just five minutes of action in the cup against Manchester City before missing the game against United.

Bobby due a Merseyside Derby goal

Surprisingly, none of Firmino’s 98 goals for Liverpool have come against Everton. Sunday could still be a good chance to put that right for Bobby.

After Burnley’s win last night, Frank Lampard takes his side to Anfield a single point above the relegation zone.

They would have been buoyed after snatching a late equaliser against Leicester City on Wednesday. But Burnley’s result means they’re still right in the thick of it.

The Toffees have conceded 53 goals in the Premier League this season. Only five teams have shipped more. Whoever plays up-front for Liverpool will surely get a few opportunities to add to that.