Wayne Veysey

Thu 31 March 2016 18:06, UK

By Coral Barry

Roberto Firmino and Christian Benteke have emerged as major doubts for Liverpool’s Premier League showdown with Tottenham on Saturday, according to a report.

The Liverpool Echo claim that Liverpool’s returning internationals all trained at Melwood on Thursday afternoon bar Benteke, while Firmino remained sidelined.

It means that the two attackers are now facing a race against time to be fit for the visit from Tottenham.

Firmino has been nursing a hamstring problem he picked up in Liverpool’ Europa League triumph against Manchester United two weeks ago and has not featured for Jurgen Klopp’s side since.

Klopp had claimed last week that the Brazilian was close to full fitness, but it now seems Firmino is still a way off recovery.

Benteke withdrew from the Belgian squad last week after injuring himself in training and spent the last seven days receiving treatment on his knee in Liverpool.

Liverpool had 19 internationals returning from duty in the last few days as they linked up with the rest of the squad, who had joined Klopp at a warm-weather training camp in Tenerife.

Liverpool are hoping to reignite their small glimmer of hope that they could snatch a spot in Europe next season through a top-four league finish by beating Spurs at Anfield.

However, Tottenham are still chasing the title and will be a major hurdle to clear for the Merseysiders in their own bid to remain in touch with league leaders Leicester.

In other Liverpool news, Tottenham have received a boost ahead of the clash.