Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino jumps for the ball next to Real Madrid’s Casemiro during the Champions League Final soccer match between Real Madrid and Liverpool at the Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine, Saturday, May 26, 2018. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
LONDON — Striker Roberto Firmino has decided to join Brazil’s squad earlier in London for pre-World Cup training, in a sign he is keen to challenge Gabriel Jesus for a place in the team’s starting lineup.
The Liverpool player arrived at Tottenham’s training center late on Monday and took fitness tests on Tuesday.
“I had two more days to stay home, but I decided to come early and start now,” Firmino told the Brazilian football confederation’s website.
Firmino was excused from training until Wednesday after losing the Champions League final against Real Madrid on Saturday.
European champions Casemiro and Marcelo plan to arrive in London on Wednesday as scheduled.
Firmino has challenged Manchester City’s Jesus for a place in the team after a strong season with Liverpool.
Jesus is returning from injury.