Liverpool Team News: Klopp Confirms Key Man Is A Doubt To Face Middlesbrough

Liverpool simply need to win when they entertain Middlesbrough at Anfield on Sunday afternoon to ensure they finish in the top four.

Ahead of the game, Jurgen Klopp has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this morning and he’s offered a team news and injury update.

The Reds boss provided the latest on Roberto Firmino’s fitness and the Brazilian international remains a doubt after failing to take part in full training with the rest of the first team this week.

Firmino missed the 4-0 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium last weekend due to a muscular injury but Klopp says it’s looking ‘very positive’ that the attacker could return on Sunday.

The Liverpool boss appeared confident that Firmino would be available but insists he will only make a final decision over his involvement after the South American undergoes a fitness test on Saturday.

Liverpool will continue to be without Jordan Henderson as the skipper is still recovering from a foot injury that’s kept him on the sidelines in recent months but Klopp is confident the problem just needs time to heal fully.

He told reporters:

Klopp on Firmino: "Very positive. We can not decide now – we'll make a final test tomorrow." pic.twitter.com/W4urxoDESe

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 19, 2017

JK on Firmino fitness "Not in team training but that is not a problem. At this stage I'd rather say yes than maybe.

— Carl Markham (@carlmarkham) May 19, 2017

Klopp on Henderson: "This injury only needs time. We are not for one second without our captain because he's always around." #LFC

— Glenn Price (@GlennPrice94) May 19, 2017

The Reds will be desperate for Firmino to be fit but if he’s ruled out, Daniel Sturridge will be confident of keeping his place in attack after scoring the vital opening goal against West Ham last weekend.

Liverpool head in to the final day of the season sitting just one point above Arsenal in the table but they know victory over Middlesbrough would secure Champions League qualification for next season.