Diogo Jota has returned to light training and is expected to be fit to play a part in the Champions League match against Real Madrid next month. Jurgen Klopp has confirmed this in his pre-match press conference.
According to James Carroll reporting for the official Liverpool website, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp provided an update on Jota’s injury, indicating that the attacker is on track to return in time for the Champions League round of 16 clash against Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The Portugal international has not played since sustaining a significant calf injury late in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Manchester City on October 16. However, he is now back on light duties and will be reintroduced into team training soon.
Jurgen Klopp seems confident Diogo Jota will be back for our Champions League tie against Real Madrid!🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/ZT4Znw5hec
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) January 16, 2023
Jota was among the players that traveled to Dubai for a warm-weather training camp. He did not play in the mid-season friendlies against AC Milan and Lyon. Instead, after missing out to represent Portugal at the Qatar World Cup he continued his rehab and recovery in the Middle East.
Liverpool will take on Real Madrid in the opening leg of their European Cup last-16 encounter, a game that Jota should be available for barring any unforeseen setback. However, Klopp was asked whether he believed Jota would only be able to start a game and reach his potential owing to the injuries and a lack of playing time he got this season. Klopp refuted by saying, “No, because it is Diogo. He is extremely smart football-wise. He will be back here again [in his mind] because it is like he is playing the games without playing the games. I don’t know exactly how long he will be out, but he looks good. He is out there on the pitch and doing a lot of stuff already, but he will be out for another few weeks. Is he in contention for the Champions League? From my point of view, yes. But I don’t know. Yes.”
The return of Jota would be a major lift for the squad, as they have missed his enthusiasm, intensity, and goal threat on offence. Hopefully, this could start a turnaround for Liverpool in whatever remains of this season.