Roberto Firmino Misses Liverpool Training with Illness Ahead of Bayern UCL Tie

Liverpool attacker Roberto Firmino was missing from training ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash with Bayern Munich after suffering with a virus.

The Independent reported the forward's absence as the Reds prepare for Tuesday's match. James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo added Liverpool "remain hopeful" Firmino will play, but he noted Daniel Sturridge is "on standby" if the Brazilian is unavailable.

Firmino would be a big loss for manager Jurgen Klopp as he is a key player in the German's squad.

Sturridge would be a useful back-up, but he is unreliable from a fitness point of view and has not enjoyed a long spell in the starting XI for a long time.

The latter is also true of 23-year-old Divock Origi. The Belgian came off the bench to score late in the Merseyside derby against Everton, but he has made only five Premier League appearances in 2018-19.

After playing as a No. 9 last season, Firmino's role has often been more withdrawn during the 2018-19 campaign. With that in mind, Xherdan Shaqiri would also make a useful replacement operating just behind Mohamed Salah. 

However, there is no player in the Liverpool squad who boasts Firmino's combination of finishing ability, link-up play and work rate off the ball.

Unlike Liverpool's title rivals Manchester City, the Reds simply do not boast the squad depth to cope long term without a player as vital as Firmino.

As such, they will be eager to see him return to full fitness as soon as possible.