Liverpool are without striker Roberto Firmino for Friday night’s Premier League clash with Huddersfield as they look to leapfrog Manchester City back to the top of the table.
Although the Brazilian reported to Melwood as usual on Friday morning, and took part in training, he was not included in the matchday squad.
The 27-year-old is nursing a minor muscular problem and will not be risked against Huddersfield, who are bottom of the Premier League and have won just one away game all season.
Jurgen Klopp confirmed to Sky Sports: ‘Yesterday after training he mentioned a little muscle issue. We’ll assess it, obviously, it’s not a big thing but it was enough to leave him out today, that’s all.’
Instead, Daniel Sturridge has been handed a rare league start up front, last doing so in a 3-1 win over Burnley in December.
In better news, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain makes the Liverpool matchday squad for the first time in a year after a long road back from injury, having built up his fitness playing for the Under-23s.
Liverpool do not want to take any risks with their players ahead of a mammoth end to the season, hosting Barcelona at Anfield on Wednesday before a tough away trip to St James’ Park a few days later.
Firmino’s wife Larissa appeared to leak the news of her husband’s injury on her Instagram feed earlier in the day, posting a picture of the striker relaxing at home alongside teammate Alberto Moreno.
Eagle-eyed fans spotted that Firmino had strapping on the inside of his right thigh, though it is hoped he will be back to lead the line against Barca.
Firmino has enjoyed another excellent campaign for Liverpool, scoring 12 goals in the Premier League – as well as laying on six assists – while he has netted four times in the Champions League.
Liverpool’s team to face Huddersfield only has one other change from the team that beat Cardiff, with Dejan Lovren replacing Joel Matip in the back four.
