Frustrating signs as Liverpool set for title run-in without clinical senior star

Liverpool injury blow as Jurgen Klopp confirms Diogo Jota injury

According to the club’s official website, Jurgen Klopp has disclosed that Diogo Jota will be sidelined for the Liverpool versus Everton clash on Wednesday night due to a hip injury sustained during Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Fulham on Sunday.

Despite his absence, the Portugal international made a notable contribution by scoring in the weekend triumph against Fulham. However, Jota has faced challenges in maintaining consistent fitness throughout his Liverpool career.

Jota is not the only Liverpool player who has encountered injury setbacks this season. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, and Mohamed Salah have all experienced periods of absence from the squad due to various injuries.

A subsequent assessment after the Fulham win revealed a fitness issue that will sideline Diogo Jota for a couple of weeks. Asked at his pre-Everton press conference about any fresh injury problems, Jurgen Klopp said

“Unfortunately, yes. Diogo scored the goal, felt a little bit and now we found out it’s a little bit more. So he will be out for two weeks.”

“I cannot really say a lot about it, to be honest. Before which game where he didn’t start, he got a knock – normal challenge, then felt a little bit at the hip. That was then fine because we didn’t start him, brought him on, that was alright.”

“Then he started the last game, was obviously OK and then with the finish… it’s a small one but we are late in the season, so obviously now it’s not a great moment for each injury pretty much. It’s not a big one. When I say two weeks, actually really it’s pretty much nothing but enough to not be available.”

This timetable means that Jota will miss not only the encounter at Goodison Park but also Liverpool’s upcoming meeting against West Ham United on Saturday. His availability for the home game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, May 5, is also uncertain.

What’s next for Liverpool?

Jota’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, but Liverpool boasts decent attacking depth with the likes of Salah, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, and Cody Gakpo capable of leading the Reds through this phase as they strive to stay in the Premier League title race.

Despite his injury setback, Liverpool secured a victory over Fulham last weekend and currently sits in second place in the Premier League, trailing league leaders Arsenal by six points. Manchester City is hot on their heels, just one point behind, providing both clubs with a formidable challenge in the title race.

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With the Premier League title race heating up, Liverpool will certainly prioritize keeping key players like Jota fit and available for the remainder of the season, especially given that this will be Klopp’s final campaign at Anfield.

Every point counts in the closely contested championship battle, and having key players available for selection will be crucial for Liverpool as they aim to secure the title in Klopp’s farewell season.