We’ve rounded up all the Liverpool news as Jurgen Klopp’s side prepare to take on Newcastle on New Year’s Day.
Firmino ‘happy’ at Al Ahli
Contrary to reports on Wednesday night, This Is Anfield understands that Roberto Firmino is “happy” at Al Ahli.
Sources close to Firmino say he is “not pushing for a move in January”, despite conflicting reports to the contrary. The Brazilian moved to Saudi Arabia in the summer and is believed to be earning £326,000 a week, tax free.
However, with the 32-year-old falling out of favor with manager Matthias Jaissle, huge interest is expected in January – with Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq among the clubs linked.
A permanent return to Liverpool FC is not expected, but Firmino will be on Merseyside next week. While he’s in town, he’ll be holding a book signing that’s already sold out.
3 things today
Anthony Taylor has been appointed referee for Liverpool vs. Newcastle, while Stuart Attwell will be the VAR. Before the match, Kieran Trippier admitted that “standards have dropped”, if only Trent Alexander-Arnold received as much support from the national press as Trippier. Calum Scanlon told Liverpoolfc.com: “I don’t care where I play as long as I’m on the pitch.” He has played as a left back and left winger this season.
Latest news from Liverpool FC
This Is Anfield understands Kostas Tsimikas is optimistic about his prospects of playing again this season – he will be out for at least another six weeks with a broken collarbone. Internazionale outlet L’Interista reports that Liverpool have “shown great interest in Nicolo.” Barella: We probably have enough central midfielders, thanks A British Asian is suing LFC for discrimination in job recruitment, The Guardian reports
Last chat from somewhere else
Pep Guardiola told Amazon Prime that John Stones’ injury suffered against Everton is “not looking good”. Wimbledon FC moved and officially became MK Dons in 2004, but in the late 1990s Prime Minister Tony Blair “was keen on an idea to move them” to Belfast (BBC Sport) – just stupid
Video of the day and match of the night.
After the dubious refereeing seen against Burnley, we review a chronology of Paul Tierney’s history with Klopp.
The match of the night is Arsenal vs. West Ham at 8:15 pm (GMT), live on Amazon Prime. Brighton vs. Tottenham is also broadcast from 7.30pm on the same channel.
