Roberto Firmino has been spotted arriving with the Liverpool squad at Anfield ahead of their Champions League opener tonight, according to a photographer on Twitter.
Freelance Liverpool-based snapper Mark Hughes reported on his personal Twitter account shortly before 1pm today (Tuesday) that the Brazilian has been included in the matchday 18 for the showdown against Paris Saint-Germain.
https://twitter.com/MarkHughes_/status/1042019296363380737
Manager Jurgen Klopp explained at his media conference yesterday that Firmino was a major doubt for the fixture after he was taken off in the second half of Saturday’s 2-1 win over Tottenham at Wembley with an eye injury.
Asked if Firmino would be passed fit to play, Klopp said, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo: “Not definitely. If the game was today no chance.
“It’s good news that it will be close. It’s going to be very close, we all saw the picture and we were shocked. It was a painful one. No one wants it or needs it, but he will be fine.”
OPINION
It is a huge boost that Firmino has arrived with the Liverpool squad at Anfield and strongly suggests he has been given the all-clear to start tonight’s mouthwatering showdown. If the brilliant Brazilian is deemed fit, there is no logic in leaving him out, even though Liverpool host Southampton in the Premier League at the weekend. Firmino and the other Liverpool ever-presents this season can be given a breather against Chelsea in the League Cup next week. There is no sense in wrapping them in cotton wool as the club aim to get their Champions League campaign up and running. Firmino is essential to Liverpool’s playing style and ultra aggressive attacking play. He is the closing-down champion who sets the tone for the buccaneering style that has become the team’s hallmark under Jurgen Klopp. Firmino scored the second of Liverpool’s goals against Tottenham at the weekend, but his value is far beyond goals and assists.