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Liverpool news: Injury blow as star misses training ahead of Bayern but duo offer boost
LIVERPOOL could be without Roberto Firmino for their Champions League clash with Bayern Munich at Anfield tonight (8pm).
Liverpool: Klopp 'wary' ahead of clash against Bayern Munich
Liverpool may be forced to take on Bayern Munich without Roberto Firmino after the Brazilian missed training ahead of the Champions League Round of 16 tie.
Firmino has been struggling with the effects of a virus and was not seen as the Reds underwent their final preparations at Melwood on Monday.
Jurgen Klopp will be hoping his star striker can return in time to face the Bundesliga giants, with Firmino considered a key component of Liverpool’s high-intensity playing style.
There was also no sign of Dejan Lovren during training as the Croatian continues to remain sidelined with a hamstring problem.
Lovren’s absence leaves Klopp short of options in central defence with Virgil van Dijk suspended for the Reds’ first knockout match.
Joe Gomez remains a long-term absentee due to a fractured leg so midfielder Fabinho is most likely to partner Joal Matip at the heart of the Liverpool rearguard.
Firmino’s replacement is less clear-cut with Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri all options depending on Klopp’s preferred formation.
The latter was an injury concern but has now completed two full training sessions and could start in the No 10 role if Liverpool opt for a 4-2-3-1 set-up.
There was further good news as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain continued his return to full fitness after a serious knee injury.
The England international was seen taking part in several light drills as he targets a comeback before the end of the campaign.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has been named in Liverpool’s Champions League squad but is not thought he will be available for selection until the quarter-finals in April – if the Reds progress that far.
Bayern head into the match three points behind Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga and undefeated in the Champions League so far, having topped Group E ahead of Ajax, Benfica and AEK Athens.