DIOGO JOTA is set to return to Liverpool training THIS WEEK – and could even make his comeback against Chelsea.
The Reds have been decimated by injuries during a tame defence of their Premier League title this season.
Diogo Jota is set to return to Liverpool training this week following his near-three-month layoff with a knee injuryCredit: AP:Associated Press
But Jurgen Klopp is finally set to receive some good news, with Jota ready to come back following a near-three-month layoff with a knee injury.
Jota, 24, made a scintillating start to life at Anfield after his summer move from Wolves, before damaging ligaments in his knee during the December 9 draw with Midtjylland in the Champions League group stage.
Jota joined Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez on the long-term absentee list.
But Liverpool have since been hit by long-term injuries to Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keita, Joel Matip and others in a bizarre season.
However, Klopp has been given a much-needed shot in the arm by the news Jota will be available for training this week.
After a confidence-boosting 2-0 win over RB Leipzig in the first-leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, the Reds slipped to a 2-0 defeat at home to Everton on Saturday.
The loss was their fourth straight at home and their first Merseyside derby defeat since 2010.
It was their first loss at home to Everton since 1999.
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Jota injured ligaments in his knee during December’s 1-1 draw with MidtjyllandCredit: AFP
Liverpool next make the trip to Bramall Lane to take on struggling Sheffield United on Sunday.
That game is expected to come too soon for Jota, but the Portuguese international is in the frame to play against Chelsea on Thursday March 4.
He will be able to provide some much-needed first-team-quality back-up to Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.
The likes of Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri have failed to inspire when given the chance in place of the rested trio.
But, prior to his injury, Jota gave Klopp the perfect opportunity to rest one of his big three and not miss a beat.
Jota scored nine times for Liverpool in just 17 matches – including a hat-trick in the 5-0 mauling of Atalanta in Italy.
His return could be just the pick-me-up needed to see the Reds bounce back from their current slump.
Liverpool are in the midst of the THIRD-WORST title defence in Premier League history.
The Reds currently sit sixth in the Premier League after 25 games, but could slip as low as eighth if the teams below them win their games in hand.
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Jurgen Klopp admits Liverpool made mistakes after disappointing loss to Everton
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
