Everton v Liverpool: Team news
Liverpool will assess Roberto Firmino’s ankle injury before determining whether he will come into contention for Sunday’s clash at Everton.
The striker sustained the issue during last weekend’s goalless draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford and subsequently missed the 5-0 win over Watford in midweek.
“He was out there in the running [on Thursday] but we have to see how he reacts,” Jürgen Klopp told his pre-Merseyside derby press conference on Friday afternoon.
“He is very positive, that’s Bobby’s nature. We have to see. I don’t see any other player – OK, we have maybe two or three more of them – being even in contention for that game after the little problem he had.
“It looks really good but if he will be ready for Sunday, I don’t know in this second.”
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Elsewhere, Liverpool have no other fresh injury concerns to contend with.
Klopp revealed earlier in the week Dejan Lovren has returned to training following a hamstring issue, while long-term absentees Joe Gomez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Rhian Brewster are making encouraging progress in their rehabilitation programmes.
Everton head into the derby on the back of a comprehensive 3-0 win over Cardiff City.
Squad-wise, Marco Silva confirmed Leighton Baines will miss the fixture due to a rib injury; however, Kurt Zouma is available again after suspension and Yerry Mina’s condition is improving following a foot issue.
The Blues boss admits he has plenty to ponder before determining his team selection, particularly given the displays of Phil Jagielka and Morgan Schneiderlin in Cardiff.
“Normally I have this headache to take the decisions,” he said. “It’s normal. It’s not just because we won the Cardiff match. When I take the decisions I’m thinking what is the best solution for us to win the game.
“It is up to me to decide the players who will fit better.”
Last time out
Liverpool v Watford (February 27): Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Milner, Salah, Origi, Mane.
Cardiff City v Everton (February 26): Pickford, Coleman, Keane, Jagielka, Digne, Gueye, Schneiderlin, Sigurdsson, Walcott, Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin.