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Jurgen Klopp is backing Roberto Firmino to maintain his blistering form in Liverpool's Champions League clash with Porto.

The Reds boss says anyone with "a football brain" will fully appreciate the immense contribution of his No 9.

Firmino celebrated his 20th goal of the season in Sunday's win at Southampton and only Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane have been more prolific in Europe's elite club competition this term.

The 26-year-old frontman has helped ease the blow of losing Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona last month.

"When I came in I said immediately that I was happy Roberto was here," Klopp said.

"I don’t think he has stepped up recently but maybe it is more obvious because his situations are not overshadowed by Phil Coutinho’s situations. That’s how it is.

"He’s a very important player and he doesn’t always have to be the standout player. As often as he can be, that’s good.

"Is he underrated? I don’t think so, not anymore. I don’t know what other people think about Roberto Firmino. But people with a football brain judge him right."

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Klopp will make changes for Wednesday night's first leg in Porto. Captain Jordan Henderson and James Milner are expected to start in midfield in the absence of the suspended Emre Can.

Dejan Lovren and Alberto Moreno could also be drafted into the line-up.

Joe Gomez is likely to return in place of Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back following a recent knee problem.

"Joe trained and that’s good news," Klopp added.

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"The last two days he had quite hard sessions and it was all about waiting for the reaction. The reaction was good enough that he could train tonight again.

"I don’t have to make the decision now but he is much closer than he was yesterday."