Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp expects Diogo Jota to be sidelined for two weeks after suffering another injury setback.
The Portugal international only returned to action earlier this month following knee ligament damage but complained of discomfort in his hip after scoring in Sunday’s 3-1 win at Fulham.
Jota’s injury a blow to Liverpool’s Premier League title challenge with the 27-year-old likely unavailable for Wednesday’s Merseyside derby at Goodison, Saturday’s trip to West Ham United and the home clash with Tottenham Hotspur on May 5.
“Diogo scored the goal, felt a little bit and now we found out it’s a little bit more so he will be out for two weeks,” Klopp said.
“Before which game where he didn’t start (Atalanta away), he got a knock – normal challenge, then felt a little bit at the hip. That was then fine because we didn’t start him, brought him on, that was alright.
“Then he started the last game, was obviously okay and then with the finish….. It’s a small one but we are late in the season so obviously now it’s not a great moment for each injury pretty much.
“When I say two weeks, actually it’s pretty much nothing, but enough to not be available.”
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With Liverpool trailing leaders Arsenal on goal difference and a point ahead of third-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand, the final Merseyside derby of Klopp’s reign is crucial in the context of the title race.
Jota’s absence is set to lead to Darwin Nunez earning a recall after being on the bench for the past two matches.
“It’s super important for us — that’s clear,” Klopp added.
“Goodison Park can create quite a good atmosphere. If you play Liverpool, it’s about more than just three points – that’s how everyone sees it there. We will never get underestimated when we arrive there.
“I am very positive. This last part of the season is not about playing the freshest football of the whole year. That would be strange with how the schedule works out. But you have to win games and I think we know how to do that. We have to overcome each opponent in a specific way.”
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(Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
