Roberto Firmino could feature in Liverpool's must-win Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Tuesday night, according to journalist James Pearce.
The Lowdown: Another huge game for Liverpool
The Reds played out a dispiriting 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham on Saturday, going top of the table but ultimately seeing their title hopes hampered.
Next up for Jurgen Klopp's men is a trip to Villa on Tuesday, a game they now simply must win in order to have any realistic chance of securing a 20th league crown.
Firmino has been absent since the middle of April but it seems that he could make a return at Villa Park in midweek.
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The Latest: Firmino could feature against Villa
That is what Pearce has suggested, as he took to a Q&A for The Athletic to claim that the Brazilian might play a part against Steven Gerrard's side.
When asked about players who could potentially come into the Liverpool line-up in midweek, the journalist replied:
"I can see Firmino being involved on Tuesday."
The Verdict: Better option than Jota?
While Firmino may be undercooked in terms of playing time, it could be that Klopp sees him as a better option than Diogo Jota for the clash against Villa.
The Portuguese forward has not offered enough of late, failing to score in his last eight appearances and doing little else of note, whereas the Brazilian is famed for his all-round selflessness and quality.
Changes are needed against Villa in order to retain a freshness ahead of the FA Cup final next Saturday, so giving Firmino the chance to lead the line could make sense, albeit with an element of risk thrown in if he is not fully fit by Tuesday.
In other news, Liverpool have been backed to sign one player this summer. Find out who it is here.