Jurgen Klopp says £45m Liverpool player will be fully fit to face Newcastle on Monday

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Jurgen Klopp has admitted that Diogo Jota was not fully ready to feature for Liverpool last night.

There was a pleasant surprise for Reds supporters when the line-up was announced for their Boxing Day clash with Burnley. For the first time in just over a month, Jota was in the matchday squad.

Things got even better later on. The 27-year-old came off the bench as a late substitute and buried Liverpool’s second goal of the night. It was just about the best Christmas gift fans could have asked for.

Speaking in his post-match press conference though, Klopp admitted that Jota hadn’t been 100 per cent ready for more minutes. Nevertheless, the manager also said that after his cameo at Turf Moor, the £45m man would be fit to go again when Liverpool take on Newcastle United on New Years Day.

“We sneaked him in somehow on the squad list because he trained only twice and the medical department wanted to give him extra training and I said he can have that in Burnley,” Klopp revealed.

“He had that tonight and now he can train tomorrow properly and then he will be ready for Newcastle, which is really helpful. Two-nil, no injuries, all good.”

Jota ready for New Years schedule

Having bore witness to Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo all struggling to find the net of late, Jota’s return last night was an enormous boost.

The Portugal international had been in excellent form prior to getting injured against Manchester City in November.

With seven goals in his previous 12 games for the Reds, Jota was Liverpool’s Johnny on the spot. And it took him just six minutes to add to that tally last night.

With Mohamed Salah set to head off for AFCON in January, Diogo’s return could hardly be more timely.

His clinical finish past James Trafford was a reminder that Liverpool don’t really possess any other forward like him in the squad.

The former Wolves man isn’t always the easiest player on the eye, but my word is he effective. Over time, Jota has perfected the art of playing poorly for 85 minutes, before smashing in a crucial game-altering goal.

As 2023 turns to 2024 and Liverpool find themselves in an unlikely title race, that quality will be badly needed.

With Newcastle out of form, you wouldn’t bet against a fresh Jota putting them to the sword on Monday. Brilliant to have you back, Diogo.