Liverpool‘s build-up to their Premier league clash with Southampton on Sunday has been hit by the news that playmaker Roberto Firmino will play no part in the match.
The Brazilian Football Federation confirmed on their official website that Firmino has been withdrawn from the Selecao squad to face Uruguay on March 25 and Paraguay four days later. The Liverpool star will be replaced in the national side by Benfica forward Jonas.
The Liverpool Echo, developing story reveal that the attacker has suffered a hamstring injury, will be looked at during the international break.
He will play no part against the Saints, with the Echo adding morosely that the nature of the players concern is all too familiar for fans of the Merseyside club who have lost numerous key men to similar complaints already this term.
Firmino’s absence against Saints further weakens the Liverpool squad that may find itself stretched following testing schedule, and in light of Thursday’s Europa league bout against Manchester United. The 24-year-old joined the ranks in the summer, and while he initially took his time to adapt to life in England, he has begun to demonstrate his class more regularly in recent weeks and months.
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In 25 Premier league outings the attacker has contributed eight goals and seven assists, firmly establishing himself as a key man under Jurgen Klopp.