Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp says that Gini Wijnaldum are progressing well but The Reds’ boss is still dependant on minute-by-minute reports on the availability of Dejan Lovren.
At such a late stage, this surely means that even if Lovren is passed fit for selection he will most likely not be starting against Robert Lewandowski and co.
Klopp was asked for the latest update by Liverpool’s official site, Liverpoolfc.com.
The former Borussia Dortmund boss already has to cope with the absence of Liverpool’s colossus at the back, Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch international centre-half is suspended for the first leg of this tie.
Joe Gomez is also still out injured for the next few weeks at least.
When asked about the fitness of Lovren, Wijnaldum and Shaqiri, Klopp said:
“I don’t know 100 per cent [about Lovren’s fitness]. It’s Monday and we play on Tuesday so most of that should be clear.
“Gini trained and looked really well. Shaq did a lot, so it will be close, we have to see. Dejan, I actually have to wait minute by minute if there is a chance or not. But that’s pretty much all, I would say.”
The expected central-defensive pairing in the absence of Van Dijk, Gomez and Lovren tonight is Joel Matip alongside Fabinho. However, Klopp also mentioned the need for extra protection in front of the defence so a double-pivot of Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum is very possible at the base of Liverpool’s midfield.
“If – if – [Fabinho plays there] in the Champions League against Bayern Munich it’s not an easy job.
“But we thought it makes sense we don’t leave our last row alone defending against Bayern; [so] it all depends how we defend in general. That’s it.”
FC Bayern are missing Thomas Muller due to suspension while Arjen Robben and Corentin Tolisso are both injured for tonight’s game.
There was some news regarding German international defender Jerome Boateng, however. Boateng had not originally been named as part of the Bundesliga side’s travelling squad due to illness but Niko Kovac is still holding out hope that Boateng can recover in time and play some part in the game.
Kingsley Coman is still facing a late fitness test for FC Bayern but I 100% expect the tricky winger to start for Kovac’s side.
There was no further Liverpool update on Roberto Firmino’s condition after it was reported yesterday that The Reds’ number nine was suffering from a virus. He trained alone on Monday to prevent the possibility of the virus spreading throughout the squad.
It looks like it will be touch-and-go right up until the hours before kick-off to see if Firmino recovers in time to take part.
For the most in-depth tactical and statistical analysis regarding Liverpool FC sign up now! The original home of Pressing Stats, Anfield Index also brings you the latest views from club legends such as Jan Molby.
Hear from the UK’s top journalists, managers, professionals, sports scientists, physios and sports psychologists as we bring you the ultimate LFC fan experience provided on approximately 30 podcasts every month for our AI:Pro listeners!!
Enjoy all this and more for just £4.99 per month at Anfield Index Pro!!
