Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp offers positive update on Diogo Jota
Speaking to the media ahead of the Wolverhampton Wanderers game (quoted by The Athletic), Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp offered a positive update on the recovery of Diogo Jota and expects him to be fit for the Real Madrid clash.
Klopp revealed that the Portugal international, who has been out due to a calf injury since the Manchester City game back in late October and missed the World Cup, has started doing light training work and is looking very good for a comeback soon.
Liverpool’s last-16 tie against Madrid in the Champions League sees the first leg played at Anfield on February 21. Klopp thinks the forward will be available for that game. It would mean that he will return to full team training in the early half of next month.
Here’s what the manager said when asked about the update on Jota (h/t The Athletic):
“I don’t know exactly how long Diogo will be out for, but he looks really good.
“He is out there on the pitch and doing a lot of stuff already but he will be out for another few weeks. In contention for the Champions League? From my point of view, yes.”
Following on from the start of this season when Liverpool couldn’t get midfielders fit, the last few months have seen the forwards falling like flies. Luis Diaz was back from his initial knee injury during the mid-season camp but has needed another surgery that set him back.
Roberto Firmino missed the Aston Villa game on Boxing Day with a view that he would be back soon. But, Klopp said the Brazilian is nowhere near close to team training. Amidst that, it is good news that Jota is due to come back soon.
Darwin Nunez picked up a light hamstring injury and missed the Brighton game, but he is not expected to be out for long. Hence, the Reds might have some key forwards coming back to the fold to add a bit of thrust and energy to the team.
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We play Wolves in the replay of the FA Cup tie. Klopp has confirmed that he will make changes to the side that got thrashed at the Amex Stadium.
