Liverpool suffer late pre-Aston Villa injury blow in boost to Newcastle United & Man United

Liverpool are without Darwin Nunez for this afternoon’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa - but Roberto Firmino will return.

Nunez, an £85million summer signing from Benfica, missed Monday’s 3-0 win at Leicester City and is also at risk of missing the rest of the campaign.

The Uruguayan international has scored 15 goals during his debut season at Anfield.

“Darwin will not be available. It’s an inflammation of a tendon at the toe – very painful obviously,” said Reds boss Jurgen Klopp. “He didn’t train yet this week, so he will not be available for tomorrow.

“The long-term injuries are still out but all the rest should be available.”

Meanwhile, Klopp has confirmed that Firmino will be back. The Brazilian had missed the last six games because of a muscle injury.

Firmino will be serenaded by the Anfield crowd as he plays a penultimate game in a Liverpool shirt. Since arriving from Hoffenheim eight years ago, Firmino has won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

His return is a boost to Klopp’s men as they aim to keep the pressure on Newcastle United and Manchester United in the race for the Premier League top four.

Eddie Howe’s Magpies moved four points clear of fifth place Liverpool after beating Brighton and Hove Albion on Thursday. Newcastle will seal Champions League qualification with a win over Leicester on Monday, although could do it without kicking a ball if Liverpool slip versus Aston Villa.

Thiago Alcantara (hip), Naby Keita (muscle), Stefan Bajcetic (adductor) and Calvin Ramsey (knee) remain absent.

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