Liverpool are set to return to Champions League action tonight with their second-leg tie against RB Leipzig in the Round of 16, with them taking a 2-0 lead on aggregate into the game.
The Reds performed very well in the first leg of the tie and managed a great two-goal cushion through Sadio Mané and Mo Salah, with thanks to a good performance from fellow frontman Roberto Firmino with the trio looking back to some of their best football against the German side.
However, it looks as though the Reds will be without the Brazilian striker for tonight’s game according to The Times and Sunday Times’ Paul Joyce, who reports that he is doubtful for the game with a knee problem. This differed from Monday’s reports that himself and new boy Ozan Kabak would both be fit for the game…
Roberto Firmino missing from Liverpool training with knee problem. Doubtful for RB Leipzig game.
— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) March 9, 2021
If Firmino does end up absent from tonight’s game it could be a huge loss for the Reds in regards to their attacking options given the fluid dynamic that himself and Mané and Salah bring to the Liverpool attack.
One massive positive that will no doubt cushion the blow though is the return of Diogo Jota, with the Portuguese forward starting life at the club incredibly well in the Premier League but more notably the Champions League.
Can Liverpool beat RB Leipzig tonight?
Yes
No
There is hope that Jota can pick up where he left off in regards to his goalscoring form if he starts instead of Firmino at striker tonight – and if he does I can see him getting himself on the scoresheet and helping the Reds progress to the quarter-finals of the European competition.
What do you think Liverpool fans, will Firmino be a big miss? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below…