Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino remains doubtful for Paris Saint-Germain clash with eye injury

Firmino was injured in a clash with Tottenham's Jan Vertonghen on Saturday

Mark Critchley
Monday 17 September 2018 15:58 BST
Comments
Roberto Firmino suffered an eye injury in Liverpool's victory over Tottenham Hotspur
Roberto Firmino suffered an eye injury in Liverpool's victory over Tottenham Hotspur (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Roberto Firmino remains a doubt for Liverpool's Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night.

Firmino was forced off during the second half of Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur after being accidentally poked in the eye by Jan Vertonghen.

Jürgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager, still hopes to be able to call upon the Brazilian for his side’s opening Group C game at Anfield.

However, when asked whether Firmino would definitely be available to play on Tuesday, Klopp said: “No, not definitely. If we played today, no chance, but we all hope there is a chance for tomorrow.

"That is good news, that it will be close. When everyone saw the pictures after the game, we were all shocked.

"When we had first-hand contact with him, after he was in hospital, it was a big relief for all of us.

“It is painful and no-one needs that but he will be fine – we just don't know exactly when. Another 30 hours before the game? We will see how it develops.”

If Firmino fails to recover in time, Daniel Sturridge is likely to take his place in Liverpool's frontline and make the first Champions League start of his five-and-a-half-year spell with the club.

“He will be ready,” Klopp said of Sturridge, though the Liverpool manager finds himself down to the bare bones in attack after injuries to Dominic Solanke and Divock Origi.

“If Bobby can’t play, and Dom [Solanke] and Divock [Origi] can’t, then we are short of options. They got little injuries in the U23 game with Swansea. There is no problem with the first line-up.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in