Liverpool's Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino failed to make his national squad for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, surprising  Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

"A blow, definitely," Klopp said ahead of the club's final game before the World Cup break. "You couldn't see it (the impact) in training, but definitely. It was (a blow) for me to be honest. I'm happy we have Bobby, but he deserves it. I think he deserves everything, to be honest."

Having joined Liverpool in 2015 from Hoffenheim for 41 million euros (about $42.5 million), Firmino scored 107 goals and 78 assists in 348 games for The Reds. He had nine goals in 21 games this season, the second-most in the club behind only Mohammed Salah and the same with Darwin Nunez, but Firmino is their assists leader (four).

Firmino was selected into the Brazilian national team for the two friendlies against Ghana and Tunisia in September, but he didn't play. The last time he appeared on the field on behalf his country was in the Copa America at home last year.

Brazil selected nine forwards in their squad for the World Cup this time and eight of them are under 26 years old. The only exception Neymar (30) is still younger than Firmino (31).

"I'll play like it's the last," Neymar said to Globo. "I talk to my father, we always talk, to play each game as if it were the last because you don't know what will happen tomorrow. I can't guarantee that I'll play another [World] Cup. I honestly don't know. I'll play like it's the last. Maybe I'll play another one, maybe not. It depends."

"It just shows how incredibly good and talented this Brazilian squad is if you can leave a player like Bobby Firmino out. Madness," Klopp said. "Of course, we will talk; we did already, and will maybe do again. He's fine but, as everyone can imagine, very disappointed."

Firmino is in the last year of his contract. Klopp told reporters that extension talks are in progress. "Normal conversations are happening as well so we will see what happens there," he said.

Brazil are in Group H with Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon at the Qatar World Cup. They will first play against Serbia at Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail on November 24.