Mohamed Salah could make Liverpool v Barcelona; Firmino out

Mohamed Salah is the Premier League’s top scorer with 22 goals this season

Liverpool are optimistic Mohamed Salah will be fit to face Barcelona on Tuesday after suffering a head injury against Newcastle, but fellow forward Roberto Firmino will miss the game.

Salah left on a stretcher after an aerial collision with Magpies keeper Martin Dubravka during the 3-2 win.

The Reds need to overturn a 3-0 Champions League semi-final first-leg deficit against Barca at Anfield to reach the final.

“He was OK,” Klopp said of Salah.

The Premier League’s top scorer was able to watch some of the game in the dressing room after his 73rd-minute departure for Divock Origi, who scored the winner to send the Reds top of the table.

“Mo got the hip of the goalie in his head and then was on the ground,” said the Reds boss.

“The doctor had to make a decision – on the pitch or off the pitch – and the decision was off the pitch and we accept that of course.

“When we came in, he was sitting in the dressing room and had watched the game. He was then fine but of course we have to wait. He got a proper knock in that situation. We’ll have to see.”

Firmino will miss Tuesday’s semi-final second leg against Barcelona with a muscle injury. He was a late substitute in the first leg and missed the entire game against the Magpies.

“He will not be ready for Tuesday and the rest [of the season] we will see,” said Klopp, whose side face Wolves on the final day next Sunday.

Liverpool’s win means the title race will definitely go to the wire. Liverpool are two points clear of rivals Manchester City, who play their game in hand against Leicester on Monday. – bbc.com