Jurgen Klopp has provided positive news about the fitness of injured Liverpool duo Roberto Firmino and Lucas Leiva, who he says are both “improving” and closing in on a return to action.
Klopp was unable to put a definitive timeframe on their estimated return dates but Reds fans will be happy to hear of their encouraging progress in the treatment room.
“Roberto is close. Both he and Lucas are in a good way and improving. But I can’t say at this stage when they will be ready,” Klopp told the Liverpool Echo.
Firmino was forced to withdraw from Brazil’s international squad after injuring his hamstring last week and subsequently missed the 3-2 defeat to Southampton at St Mary’s, but Klopp will be hoping that the forward will be back to full fitness ahead of next Saturday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
His compatriot, Lucas, has been out of action since sustaining a thigh strain during the final of the Capital One Cup and was initially expected to be out for around six weeks, meaning he could be back in contention before the middle of April.
Klopp’s comments seem to suggest that Firmino could be pushing to be available when Liverpool welcome Spurs to Anfield next weekend and, although Lucas might be some way behind, the midfielder himself spoke positively about his rehabilitation last week.
“I’m progressing very well. I’m really happy with the way it’s going,” he said, as reported by the Metro.
“I’m aiming that after the international break I’ll be close to coming back and hopefully playing a big part in the last part of the season.”
Liverpool will need the pair back as quickly as possible if they wish to make a late surge for the top four, which is now looking a bridge too far after squandering a two-goal lead and all three points to fellow European hopefuls Southampton last time out.
With a Squawka Performance Score ranking of 480, Firmino rates as Liverpool’s second-best player in the Premier League this term, while the influence and experience of 29-year-old Lucas could prove crucial in the high-octane closing weeks of the season.
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