Opponent Watch: Boost for Chelsea as Liverpool could be without key attacking duo at Wembley

Chelsea receive Carabao Cup boost as Liverpool could be without Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp has provided the latest injury update on Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino ahead of their clash against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final. The match will take place on Sunday at Wembley Stadium as both teams look to add to their trophy collection.

Both Firmino and Jota missed the club’s 3-1 victory against Norwich City recently, having picked up knocks during the 2-0 win against Inter Milan in the Champions League. The former suffered a muscle injury, whereas the latter is facing an issue with his ankle.

Speaking in an interview with the club’s media (h/t Liverpool official website), Klopp revealed that he is unable to give a clear update regarding the injury troubles as he is unsure about their availability. However, he did say that the attacking duo looked well in their recovery, and they will try their best to attain full fitness.

“Yes, it’s too early. I don’t even know if it will be a late decision or not; how I said, it’s too early. I saw them both today, they both look great – but those two always look great. We have to see how the specific issues develop but we obviously will try everything.”

Potential advantage?

If the Red duo fails to make it in the matchday squad, our chances of attaining the title would undoubtedly increase as they are crucial to the Merseyside club’s style of play. Even though Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah get most of the plaudits, it is these two who make the Reds’ attack tick.

Jota’s ability to swap positions and his knack to draw out opponents and make incisive runs adds dynamism to the Liverpool frontline. We are hopeful that the 25-year-old will not make it in time for Sunday’s clash in the League Cup final. While it will be good to beat them at full strength, we would gladly take any advantage that comes our way.

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Firmino has taken a backseat following the emergence of Jota, but we cannot overlook the impact he continues to have. The Brazilian’s link-up play and work effort would be a thorn in our side if he is available for the cup final. The absence of two of their dependable striker options would take the sting of their attacks as Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi have simply failed to match the required standards consistently.

But we are not in the clear just yet as the Liverpool duo could still have a chance of getting into contention ahead of Sunday. Hence, we must wait and see how their recovery develops in the coming days to get a clearer picture. Whatever the case it may be, Thomas Tuchel and his side must focus their game plan to force their opponents to dance to their tunes.