Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino is at risk of being dropped for his side’s clash with Stoke City on Tuesday after being charged with drink driving.
The Brazilian international has seemingly overstepped the line with his holiday season activities, with The Sun reporting that he was pulled over by police on Christmas Eve in Liverpool city centre.
His indiscretion could land him in hot water with Jurgen Klopp who could now decide to take further action by leaving him out against Stoke this week.
However, perhaps the bigger blow is that it’s added in the report that Firmino will now have to appear in court on January 31, thus putting his participation against Manchester City on New Year’s Eve in potential doubt too.
As per the report, the Merseyside Police said: “Merseyside Police has charged a 25-year-old man with drink driving after his car was stopped in Liverpool city centre in the early hours of Saturday, December 24, 2016.
“Roberto Firmino, from Liverpool, will appear at Liverpool City Magistrates Court on January 31.”
That will be a major setback for Klopp if the court commitments force the Brazilian international to miss the game, as Liverpool are already without Philippe Coutinho while Joel Matip is struggling with a knock too.
As they look to keep up the pace with Chelsea over a busy period in the schedule, the last thing that the Reds need are avoidable absences, but it looks as though that’s what could be coming their way over the next few games with Firmino letting his teammates and the club down with the inexcusable decision to drive under the influence.
Daniel Sturridge could be in line to step in after impressing off the bench in the Merseyside derby, although Klopp has various options if he wishes to keep changes to a minimum.