Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Diogo Jota may have picked up an injury playing for Liverpool last night.
Speaking in his post-match press conference via liverpoolfc.com, Klopp said the 25-year-old had ‘got a knock’ during the game.
“Diogo got a knock in the first half, that’s what I know,” said the manager.
That could be bad news for Liverpool. Although the fact that Jota was able to complete almost an hour without showing any discomfort is positive.
Meanwhile, Klopp said that Liverpool had missed Virgil Van Dijk’s presence in the back four. Asked to clarify whether the Dutchman had missed out through injury, Klopp confirmed that the 30-year-old was just rested.
“We missed [Van Dijk], we played the last line completely new and we missed the boys of the last line, if you want. He is not injured.”
It was also put to the boss that Mohamed Salah had taken a whack during the game. Asked for an update on any potential issue for Mo, Klopp said he hadn’t heard anything to suggest the winger was injured either.
“About Mo’s knock, I don’t know really, nobody told me yet. I changed with two physios and nobody said to me Mo has a problem, so for the moment everybody should be fine,” he said.
City carrying some injuries
Assuming Jota’s knock isn’t anything serious, it ended up being a near-perfect night for Liverpool.
The two late goals conceded will irk Klopp, especially due to the ease at which Benfica were able to get in behind The Reds. Otherwise though, no new injuries for Liverpool and a semi-final berth against a favourable opponent, on paper at least.
Manchester City on the other hand played out a Royal Rumble style affair in Madrid against Atletico. Both Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker had to be withdrawn for City, with Pep Guardiola claiming his side are now in ‘big trouble’ with injuries via BT Sport.
Heading into Saturday’s showdown in the FA Cup, the Gods were certainly smiling a little more on Liverpool last night.
Nothing has been confirmed on either De Bruyne or Walker yet. Should either be unable to play in Saturday’s match, it would surely improve Liverpool’s chances.
If Jota is able to fully recover before the weekend, Liverpool should once again have a full squad to pick from at Wembley.
After giving most key players at least some of the night off yesterday, perhaps it could be advantage Liverpool as they look to reach their first FA Cup final in 10 years.
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