Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Roberto Firmino is fit enough to be selected as Liverpool take on Southampton at Anfield on Saturday.
The mood of The Kop is already at a considerable high after the brilliant 3-2 win over PSG in the Champions League during the midweek. And, Jurgen Klopp will be hoping the Reds continue their Premier League form as Southampton pay Liverpool a visit on Saturday.
Allisson is set to retain his place in goal. As far as the central defence is concerned, Joe Gomez should continue to partner Virgil van Dijk, with Dejan Lovren still recovering from his injury. Jurgen Klopp mentioned in his press conference that the Croatian centre-back is close but will not be in the matchday squad for the game against Southampton.
“Dejan is close. He looks really fit; he did a lactate test last week and fitness-wise he is on a really OK level for his situation – rather good than average. That is good and good work from the fitness department. We will see. He is not in the squad for the weekend of course but we will see how soon we can try to involve him again.”
While Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson should start as the full-backs, James Milner will also likely continue to feature in the starting eleven in the midfield three. Klopp iterated that the veteran’s form is not really a surprise and that he expects the former Manchester City man to continue impressing the onlookers.
Naby Keita should return to the lineup after being rested during the midweek while Jordan Henderson could retain his position after a stellar showing against PSG. Adam Lallana is closer to being fit but will definitely miss the Southampton game.
Two of three positions in the forward line are automatic fillers, with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah certain starters. Roberto Firmino is back to full fitness, Klopp confirmed in his pre-match conference, while also stating that he is yet to decide on whom to start, with Daniel Sturridge also performing well during the midweek.
“Yes, he [Firmino] is ready… so far there is no reason to think about Bobby, it’s about thinking about how can we line up in general differently. Could they [Firmino and Sturridge] play together? Yes of course.”
Klopp also confirmed that Divock Origi is still on the treatment table while Dominic Solanke has returned and will feature for the Under-23s over the weekend.
