Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Roberto Firmino suffered a ‘serious’ hamstring injury against Atletico Madrid. 

The Brazilian forward replaced Sadio Mane at half-time but was soon taken off having felt a problem during the second 45 minutes. 

With the Reds cruising at Anfield, Firmino headed straight down the tunnel and it had been hoped no extensive damage had been suffered. 

However, speaking in the pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to face high-flying West Ham on Sunday, Klopp was the bearer of bad news. 

Bobby is not good news with a serious hamstring injury, really unfortunate. We don’t know exactly how long he will be out but it will be not now after the international break directly. We have to work on that.

The 54-year-old German manager also delivered updates on the fitness of Curtis Jones. 

Curtis is a completely different story [to Firmino], he was very unlucky in training – he got a finger that scratched the eye. I had a lot of injuries to players in my career, that was not involved. He is on the way back but we have to see how long exactly.

Centre-back Joe Gomez will also miss the clash at the London Stadium but it is hoped the 24-year-old will return following the international break having suffered a minor calf issue. 

READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

A massive loss. 

Although a regular feature from the bench these days as Diogo Jota comes to the fore, Firmino’s continued importance to Klopp’s side cannot be underestimated. 

The £36million valued ace has already directly continued to seven goals this term and will be sorely missed by both Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in particular. 

In his absence, the pressure will be on Jota, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino to fill the not insignificant void. 

Who Should Start Against West Ham?

Diogo Jota

Divock Origi

Takumi Minamino