Liverpool team news: Klopp sweats over star player fitness ahead of critical Middlesbrough game

Liverpool take on Middlesbrough over the weekend knowing that a win would guarantee them a top-four finish and Champions League football next season.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is sweating over the fitness of star forward Roberto Firmino.

Firmino sat out the 4-0 win at West Ham with a muscle injury but has been involved in light training this week.

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“Very positive,” Klopp said on the Brazilian’s prognosis in his pre-match press conference.

“We could not decide until now, but he feels good and he feels comfortable. He did a lot of things, but was not part of team training. That’s not a problem after this long season.

“I think we will make a final test tomorrow. In this moment, I would rather say ‘yes’ than ‘perhaps’, but I am not sure.”

Klopp will also be without team captain Jordan Henderson who is out injured.

Germany international of Turkish origin Emre Can is ready and is almost certain to start.

The star midfielder has played an important role in the Reds pushing for a top-four spot.

Liverpool have lost just two of the last 12 games which Can has started in.

The Reds do however, need a win to make sure of a top-four spot. Luckily for Klopp the last home defeat against Boro was in March 1976.

Liverpool have actually won their last four home games against Middlesbrough who head into the game having already been relegated.

One cause for concern is that Liverpool have failed to win any of their last three home games.