Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino should return from a hamstring injury before Christmas, according to reliable journalist James Pearce.
The Lowdown: Firmino missing through injury
The Reds have again been hampered by numerous injuries this season, as was the case last time around, with the Brazilian one of those currently absent. The 30-year-old limped out of last week's win over Atletico Madrid with a hamstring issue, with an extended spell on the sidelines being expected.
Firmino had just found some form again after struggling in 2020/21 - he has scored six times already this season - so the news was undoubtedly a setback for Jurgen Klopp.
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The Latest: Pearce predicts Firmino comeback date
Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic on Sunday off the back of Liverpool's 3-2 defeat at West Ham, Pearce claimed that the Brazilian would hopefully be back in action in the middle of December, a month before Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are due to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations.
He wrote: "Looking for positives, Firmino should be back playing by mid-December so will be going into that crunch period fresh when Salah/Mane are away."
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The Verdict: Reds desperately need him back
Firmino is such a subtle player that his brilliance isn't always appreciated by the masses, but he is a vital player for Liverpool. His ability to drop deep allows space in behind for Salah and Mane, while his selflessness and work ethic make him a fantastic team player.
Liverpool rarely look as cohesive in attack when Diogo Jota plays instead of him, as shown in Sunday's defeat to West Ham, when the 24-year-old had just 17 accurate passes in the match. Therefore, Pearce's prediction of a pre-Christmas return for the Brazilian is very welcome news indeed.
In other news, Pearce has also discussed Liverpool's interest in a Premier League player. Read more here.