By David Lynch, Merseyside Correspondent

16th May, 2023 | 11:58am

Revealed: Big Roberto Firmino update at Liverpool - sources

Liverpool are confident that Roberto Firmino will be fit in time to take part in an Anfield farewell against Aston Villa this weekend, sources have told Football Insider.

The Brazilian has been out since late April with a muscle issue that had cast doubt on whether he might be able to participate in the Reds’ final home fixture of the season.

That game holds particular significance for Firmino given he is preparing to bring an eight-year stay on Merseyside to an end when his contract expires this summer.

And Football Insider understands that the club’s medical staff expect the 31-year-old to be ready for what is sure to be an emotional send-off.

Firmino is being prepared for a midweek return to full team training that should allow him to take a place on the bench for the visit of Europe-chasing Villa.

And so he should play some part in a fixture that could have huge ramifications in Liverpool’s ongoing chase for Champions League qualification.

It remains to be seen whether Darwin Nunez will also be ready for the weekend after he suffered another injury setback ahead of Monday’s trip to Leicester City.

The Uruguayan’s toe injury is described as ‘minor’, but it is understood his progress will have to be monitored over the coming days before a return to training is signed off.

Nunez had started Liverpool’s last two games prior to missing the trip to Leicester but has seen his involvement limited since the return of Luis Diaz from injury.

The 23-year-old will hope for a strong finish to a debut campaign at Anfield that has seen him score 15 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions.

In other news, Liverpool have decided to appoint Schmadtke – because he won’t be a Klopp ‘yes’ man.