Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp gives update on Roberto Firmino’s future

Roberto Firmino could make his Liverpool return for their final home game of the season against Aston Villa, manager Jurgen Klopp has said.

The Brazilian has been absent for the Reds’ last six games with a muscle problem, but Klopp has hinted that he could be involved in the match on Saturday.

“It [the chanting] was so cool. I’ve never seen anything like that [for somebody who wasn’t playing],” Klopp said after Liverpool’s 3-0 win at Leicester City on Monday.

“I think he has a chance of playing [against Villa]. We drive home, Tuesday is a day off – not for him but for the others – and then Wednesday he will be in team training, that is my information.

“We have to see. The Saturday game is a super difficult game for plenty of reasons. Probably farewell around the game for a few players, and then playing for absolutely everything against the second or third-best team in the Premier League for the second part of the season. That’s super challenging.

“In the middle of everything, we have to win the game. But around that, we want to show the respect and appreciation and love we feel for not only Bobby but all the boys who will leave in the summer. It will be a special day with a difficult game in between.”

Firmino, who joined Liverpool from Hoffenheim in 2015, has scored 98 goals in 297 appearances for the club. He has won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Super Cup during his time at Anfield.

The 30-year-old is expected to leave Liverpool on a free transfer at the end of the season. He has been linked with a move to Juventus and Atlético Madrid.

If Firmino does make his return against Villa, it will be a chance for the Liverpool fans to give him a proper send-off. He has been a key part of the team’s success in recent years and he will be sorely missed.