Jurgen Klopp told his press-conference yesterday that Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino wouldn’t be available for either tonight’s Europa League tie or the weekend’s Southampton clash (via the official website), but it’s good to see that our two blockbuster summer signings are back training with the rest of the first-team.
Daniel Sturridge, who Klopp did say could be available on Sunday, was interestingly not involved in yesterday afternoon’s session.
It’s crucial that Benteke and Firmino, who cost over £60m combined, get fit and work themselves into Klopp’s plans. The former has scored twice so far but a hamstring injury paused his progressed, while Firmino fell awkwardly on his back in the League Cup tie with Carlisle – having done very little since his move from Hoffenheim beforehand.
With Danny Ings out for the term and Sturridge perpetually crocked, Klopp will do everything he can to maximise Benteke and Firmino when they’re ready to play. We have a League Cup match with Bournemouth next Wednesday which could be a realistic return point considering they’re back in full training.
