Liverpool vs PSG: Firmino Out With Eye Injury As Neymar, Mbappe Returns For Champions League Clash

Posted by Odinaka on Tue 18th Sep, 2018 - tori.ng

English Premier League giants, Liverpool FC and their French Lige 1 counterpart, PSG, will clash tonight at Anfield as the 208/19 UEFA Champions League season kicks off.

Liverpool and PSG stars

Roberto Firmino could miss out as Liverpool open their Champions League campaign with a home game against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, SkySports reports.

The Brazilian suffered an eye injury from a clash with Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen in Saturday's 2-1 win at Wembley.

Firmino was replaced during the game and is now a doubt to face PSG in Liverpool's Group C opener, having also not trained on Monday.

Asked if Firmino will be available, Klopp said: "No, not definitely. If we played today, no chance, but we all hope that there is a chance until tomorrow.

"So that is good news, that he will be close for the game, because when everybody saw the picture after the game we were all shocked. When we had first-time contact with him again he was in hospital, it was a big relief for all of us.

"He will be fine. We only don't know exactly when. So another 30 hours roundabout until the game and we will see how it develops."

Big-spending PSG have so far failed to deliver in the Champions League, losing in the round of 16 in the last two seasons.

However, Klopp still rates them among the best sides in Europe. "PSG are one of the favourites for the competition that's for sure. This team is built for winning the Champions League. It will be an interesting game for sure.

"With the players they have and the manager they have, they all brought it together to go as far as possible in the Champions League and we are aware of that.

"Winning the first game is always an advantage, but we haven't won it yet - we have to play it and it will be really difficult."

Team News

Daniel Sturridge could be handed a rare opportunity if Firmino is ruled out. "He will be ready," Klopp said of Sturridge, who has made four substitute appearances this season.

"If Bobby can't play, Dom (Solanke) and Divock (Origi) can't, then we are short of options. They got little injuries in the under-23 game with Swansea."

Kylian Mbappe is expected to return for PSG after he was suspended for Friday's 4-0 victory over St-Etienne.

Neymar also did not play at the weekend as he was rested, and Klopp said: "He will be 100 per cent fresh for us and we will see the full Neymar package."