Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Diogo Jota is âin contentionâ to play for Liverpool against Everton on Monday.
Jota returned to training after a four-month injury layoff on Thursday. In a big boost for the Reds, Roberto Firmino, Virgil van Dijk and Arthur Melo are also back fit.
As a result, Klopp was asked about the possibility of any of that quartet playing in his pre-match press conference today. So far, it looks like only Jota has the chance of being involved when Everton come to town.
âThe players are back in training in different stages,â began the manager. âDiogo is the closest and has been normal training for two days. He is in contention for the squad I would say but we have to wait.
âBobby is the next one, I donât know, we have to see how he looks with training intensity. Virgil I donât think is that close already but we will work on that as well. Arthur is similar to Bobby. Thatâs that.â
After such a turgid run of form and some rotten luck with injuries, it would be such a boost to see Diogo in any capacity on Monday.
Jota looking to end long wait for a goal
Remarkably, it isnât far off being a whole year since Jota scored a goal for Liverpool. His last strike came away to Manchester City on April 10th.
An important goal at the time, yes. But given his very good strike rate since his move from Wolves in 2020, this is a surprise.
Of course, a lot of that time has been spent on the treatment table. Having been nobbled during pre-season, we didnât see Jota at all this season until September â ironically against Everton. Since then, the 26-year-old has only played a further seven times.
So actually, in terms of games, it isnât all that long since our No.20 found the net.
Still, now would be a brilliant time for him to find his scoring boots once more. Since joining Liverpool Jota has found a habit of scoring in the biggest games.
With the Reds desperately struggling for form, Monday night at Anfield would be the absolute perfect time for him to break his duck. Great to have you back, Diogo.