Liverpool vs Watford team news: Roberto Firmino unlikely, Joe Gomez return date set

Roberto Firmino is unlikely to feature for Liverpool against Watford on Wednesday night despite positive news on his ankle injury.

Firmino was forced off during the first half of Sunday’s goalless draw against Manchester United after rolling his ankle awkwardly while chasing the ball.

Jürgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager, said on Tuesday that Firmino’s ankle issue was not as severe as it first seemed but Wednesday’s game against Watford may come too soon.

“It was not as serious as we thought at first,” Klopp said. “If Bobby goes down and leaves the pitch it is always a bad sign because he is a pretty hard boy.

“Because we play tomorrow, it will be very close for that, but he has a big chance for the derby.”

Asked if Firmino could potentially play on Wednesday, Klopp said: “Because it is Bobby I would say yes, but I don’t know if I would use that chance.

“Writing him off is a big mistake because he recovers pretty quickly.”

Naby Keita is likely to start after recovering from an illness, though defenders Dejan Lovren (hamstring) and Joe Gomez (broken leg) remain sidelined.

Klopp said on Tuesday that he expects Gomez to return after the March international break.

“If nobody gets injured before then we’ll have a proper choice,” Klopp said. ”Joe is doing his rehab and looks good, big steps, outside running and all these things.”

Javi Gracia, the Watford manager, is only unable to call upon full-back Kiko Femenia for his side’s trip to Anfield.

Femenia missed Watford’s 5-1 win over Cardiff City last week with a hamstring injury but has since returned to training.