Liverpool team news: Klopp confirms huge double fitness blow ahead of Barcelona

Liverpool need to pull off a miracle to qualify for the Champions League final when they take on Barcelona at Anfield on Tuesday night as they trail 3-0 from the first leg.

To make their task even more difficult, they’ll have to try and turn things around against the La Liga champions without two of their key players as Jurgen Klopp confirmed a double injury blow at his press conference this afternoon.

Mohamed Salah was stretchered off during Liverpool’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday night after suffering a head injury following a clash with goalkeeper Martin Dubravka midway through the second half.

The Egyptian international was visibly distraught as he left the pitch to be replaced by Divock Origi and Klopp has now confirmed Salah will be forced to miss the return leg against Barcelona after suffering a concussion.

Understandably, the forward is desperate to play against the Catalans tomorrow night to try and help Liverpool turn the tie around but Klopp says they have to follow medial procedures with concussions.

In a double blow for Liverpool, Klopp also revealed that Roberto Firmino won’t be involved against Barcelona on Tuesday as the Brazilian international is still nursing a groin problem that’s hampered him over the past few games.

When quizzed about the fitness of Salah and Firmino, Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com:

“Both are not available for tomorrow. It’s a concussion [for Salah], so that means he would not even be allowed to play. That’s it, that’s all.

“He feels OK, but it is not good enough from a medical point of view, that’s all. He is desperate and everything, but we cannot do it. That’s it.”

It will be a huge double blow for Liverpool to be without Salah and Firmino against Barcelona as they’re two of their key attackers and the Merseysiders know they need to score at least three goals to stand a chance of progressing to the final.

Liverpool will also have to make-do without Naby Keita against Barcelona tomorrow night as the midfielder has been ruled out for at least two months with an adductor injury while Adam Lallana is carrying a muscle problem.

However, there is some positive news as the Liverpool website says Salah will be available to return for Sunday’s final Premier League game of the season as the Reds look to snatch the title with a win against Wolves.