Diogo Jota suffered an ankle ligament injury and was subbed at half-time. Though Liverpool were able to overcome Inter Milan 2-0, Jota’s injury has slightly dampened the excitement of the result.
Roberto Firmino replaced Jota at half-time and scored the opener for Liverpool. The Reds then went on to win the crucial game 2-0. However, Diogo Jota’s substitution certainly surprised the viewers.
It was hypothesized that; the change was a tactical one. However, in the post-match interview, Jurgen Klopp revealed that the change was due to an injury worry. Diogo Jota had a swollen ankle and was thus replaced by Firmino.
Jurgen Klopp on Jota’s injury
Klopp in the post-match interview said
I am happy with everything apart from Diogo [Jota] going off,
The ankle was swollen at the break so we had to change,
Twisted ankle, swollen, that’s obviously not a good sign but we will check it out as early as possible tomorrow [Thursday], but we need further assessment.
Diogo Jota is having a stellar season at Liverpool. The Portuguese forward has already scored 17 goals and has been instrumental in several wins. The severity of the injury is uncertain at this moment, but we hope that Jota recovers from the injury as quickly as possible.
Can Liverpool cope without Diogo?
The Reds have a plethora of options on the bench at this moment and Liverpool should be able to cope without Jota. The shrewd business of Luis Diaz transfer will bear results in due course.
Although Diaz hasn’t scored or assisted for Liverpool, he already looks sharp and willing. Once he builds some momentum with some goals, he will be a live-wire and make Liverpool more dynamic. Liverpool also have other options in Takumi Minamino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Divock Origi.
However, Liverpool have a busy fixture list in February, with important games. Liverpool will Liverpool host Norwich and Leeds in the next week, along with the League Cup final at Wembley against Chelsea.
Thus, Klopp would hope that Jota’s injury lay-off is minimal.
