Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino was never doubt for today’s match against Stoke City, despite his being charged with drink driving. Liverpool beat Stoke 4-1 at home tonight, and LFC Manager Jurgen Klopp said that Firmino’s spot in the starting XI was never in doubt.
In his postgame press conference, Klopp was asked if there were any doubts about including Firmino, to which he responded
“No, because he was actually the best man in training. There was no chance to leave him out. No chance. He trained outstanding and we didn’t think about it.”
Earlier this week, Firmino got a little too festive on the night before Christmas Eve, as he was pulled over in the early hours of December 24th.
Via the Liverpool Echo, who quote a local police statement:
“Merseyside Police has charged a 25-year-old man with drink driving after his car was stopped in Liverpool city centre in the early hours of Saturday, December 24 2016.
“Roberto Firmino, from Liverpool, will appear at Liverpool City Magistrates Court on January 31.”
As the Echo points out, the Roberto Firmino court appearance is set for the same exact day that currently second place Liverpool host table topping face Chelsea at Anfield. Safe to say that you might have to scratch Firmino, a very key part of the attack this season, from that critical clash.
The Reds will also be without their top scorer, Sadio Mane for that epic match, as Mane will then be on international duty with Senegal for the African Nations Cup. According to multiple outlets, a Liverpool FC spokesperson said that the club will not comment on the Roberto Firmino situation until after the legal process is played out.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
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