Liverpool forward Diogo Jota continues his recovery from a long-term injury in Dubai. Meanwhile, the Reds clan is quite optimistic about the return of Jota before the clash against Real Madrid.
LFC doctors believe he will be back sooner than expected. The Portuguese forward missed the World Cup as he is struggling with a calf injury since October 16th.
A possible return date for Diogo Jota, will he be available for the Madrid clash
The 26-year-old has been sidelined for eight games. Klopp explained his situation as
“very sad news”
But Jota insisted he would be
“fighting to be back as soon as possible”
His initial return date was set for late January or early February.
But the medical team of Merseyside red claimed his return is
“quite optimistic”
All set for R16
The English side’s Champions League last-16 ties against Real Madrid. The first tie is at Anfield on February 21. Liverpool have faced Los Blancos 9 times in the Champions League stage. Out of this, La Casa Blanca has won 5 times. The Merseyside giants have won 3 times while both shared points once.
The last time these two European heavyweights clashed with each other was in the 2021/22 Champions League final. It was Vinicius Jr’s brilliant run behind the Reds’ defense line that separated these two sides. This time Klopp’s troop will be looking to settle the matter.
Optimism in Red’s camp
According to FBref Jota is a hard-working team player, as shown by the fact he ranks in the top 3% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues. That is the reason why Jurgen Klopp brought him in the first place. Players like Diogo are the key reason why Liverpool are so effective in counter-pressing.
Jota’s quick return before the match would be seen as a morale boost for the whole squad. Particularly after Luiz Diaz’s long-term knee injury, Liverpool are lacking attacking power. The English giants will almost certainly take caution with Diogo’s recovery. Currently, Nunez is filling in the left flank in the absence of the Portuguese forward.
