Major injury boost: Roberto Firmino reportedly ready to play against Borussia Dortmund
Liverpool have reportedly received a major injury boost ahead of their Europa League quarter-final clash as Roberto Firmino faces fitness test in his bid to feature in the Reds’ squad that will face Borussia Dortmund on 7th April.
The 24-year-old has been sidelined by an injury sustained in the last-16 tie at Manchester United on March 17 and failed a late fitness test before the Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
Firmino, who has been struggling with a hamstring injury, has travelled with Liverpool first-team squad on Wednesday and is expected to take part in training at the Westfalenstadion in a bid to prove his fitness to the Reds boss Jürgen Klopp.
The Brazilian has been a revelation for Liverpool in the past few months as he finally settled into the Premier League and adapted to its ferocious nature and Klopp is fully determined to have him available for Thursday’s clash against the German giants.
On the other hand, former Liverpool striker Aldridge proposed Klopp could gamble on Firmino’s fitness and start the Brazilian against his former employers, Dortmund, in the first leg of their quarter-final at Westfalenhallen.
Speaking to Liverpool echo, Aldridge said: “I wonder if Klopp will be tempted to go with Firmino as his forward option, or whether Sturridge will play. I think Firmino will be fit, and he’s showed that he can be the man for the big occasion this season.
“Having someone like Sturridge to come on if it’s tight is a massive option too, but I guess it comes down to what the manager’s game plan is. He knows Dortmund better than anyone, and he’ll have his players supremely-drilled I’m sure.”
The 24-year-old has scored eight goals in the top flight for the Reds which is the most at the club, while only Philippe Coutinho – with 10 goals – has more than him in all competitions. Meanwhile, Dortmund have also received major injury boosts after Mats Hummels, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and IIKAY Gundogen recovered from their respective injuries and returned to training.
Confirming his return to fitness via Twiter, IIkay Gundogan wrote: “Hi guys! I’m finally back in training and hope to help the team soon again on the pitch.”
Meanwhile, Christian Benteke and Lucas Leiva have not been included in the travelling party as they are both recovering from injuries.