Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Brighton on Saturday, Jurgen Klopp explained the reason for Roberto Firmino’s long absence.
The Brazilian was injured a few days before the Reds returned to the game after the World Cup, but he was expected to return to the game against Brentford on January 2.
However, Klopp has not resumed training yet and he has now revealed that Firmino is still “not close” to returning to team training due to injury.
Firmino will not be available against Brighton, as the Liverpool boss apparently does not want to specify a time frame for his return.
“At the first moment it was like a small injury, designed for 10 days — two weeks,” Klopp told reporters on Friday.
“He did the usual rehabilitation, all the experts told us what we can do.
“Then Bobby felt something again. It kept him going longer.
“I do not know exactly when he will return, he is not close to team training.”
With Luis Diaz, Diogo Hota and Darwin Nunez also currently absent, Klopp has only Mohamed Salah and Kodi Gakpo to choose from as senior strikers.
Nunez’ injury problem emerged on Thursday and Klopp confirmed that the club is awaiting further details on the severity of the problem.
“If he can’t train today, then yes, it will rule him out,” Klopp said of Nunez’s chances of playing at Brighton.
“We are waiting for information. This is not the main thing, but still did not allow him to train. We have to wait for that.”
There was good news about James Milner and Stefan Baisetic, who are back in shape.
“Millie spent most of her training yesterday and will be back as usual today,” he added.
“Stefan will return to training today. He got hit on the femur, which was pretty uncomfortable, but he’ll be back too.”
