Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Roberto Firmino picked up a fresh injury during last night’s Champions League 2-0 victory over Atletico Madrid.
The Reds started the match with a high tempo, and scored in the 13th minute after Diogo Jota tapped home from a perfect cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Sadio Mane soon doubled the score eight minutes later. Another Alexander-Arnold’s cross-come-shot fell into the player’s path, who converted with a first time left-footed finish.
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Liverpool were always in control, and they were handed a huge advantage in the 36th minute after Felipe was given his marching orders for a poor challenge on Mane.
Speaking after the clash, Klopp was obviously delighted with the overall display after being drawn in a tricky group which also include Porto and AC Milan.
But, he expressed his disappointment after Firmino picked up a hamstring injury. The Brazil international came on as a half-time substitute, but had to be taken off in the 78th minute.
Klopp said via Liverpoolfc.com: “If Bobby Firmino wouldn’t have gone off with a hamstring injury that would have been much better.”
“But from pretty much all other points of view, it was a good performance, it’s an incredible group stage so far.
“In November, we try to get through games pretty mature and still it didn’t work out – Bobby got injured and that’s not good.”
Firmino suffered a hamstring issue earlier this campaign. And the Liverpool forward was out on the sidelines for four games that the Reds handled well.
Diogo Jota stepped up with standout displays during that period, and the Portuguese star appears set to lead the line with the latest setback for the player.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are now three points adrift of Premier League leaders Chelsea. They travel to West Ham this weekend.
