Roberto Firmino: Liverpool striker in contention to return from injury against Newcastle

Roberto Firmino is in contention to return to the team for Thursday's game against Newcastle.

Firmino has been out of action for the last eight matches due to a serious injury he sustained in the 2-0 win against Atleti Madrid.

The Reds will play five matches in 13 days as they prepare for a return to action by Jones.

"Bobby trained completely normally yesterday so I would say he is in contention," said the German.

"Curtis had his first session with the team and he is not far off."

It couldn't be better to be honest. We need a full squad and getting two players back is good news.

There were a record 42 positive Covid cases last week, which resulted in some matches being postponed. The manager said that his team have coped well with the situation and that it is important to support all of the safety protocols.

"Yesterday we were all negative, and we hope that is the case today," he said.

The whole vaccine thing is a big question of loyalty, solidarity and togetherness. We have a chance to help other people as well. It's important to support the measures.

The team has a good vaccination status. We hope we can do it with the whole team. I arrive earlier on the training ground than most of the players and am tested before the players arrive. We are allowed to enter when it's negative. We are concerned about it and we do what we can.

Joe Gomez will not be sent out on loan in January for game time, as confirmed by the boss.

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The vaccine is an act of solidarity according to the manager.

Gomez is yet to start a game in the league this season after a knee injury cut short his campaign last year, with a calf injury limiting his availability as he battles for places in the backline.

"It's not been the best year for Joe with the injury and then coming back and getting another injury but that's how it can go," said the manager.

When you have three or four fit centre-halves, it's not easy to get game-time immediately. Your body is not ready for it when you play.

Joe Gomez has two starts in the EFL Cup this season.

We are patient and I think Joe is as well. I don't have any plans to give anyone a loan in the winter.

I will not be the driving force, nobody has asked me to go somewhere else. Joe needs time to train to get back to where he was before.

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