Published on 18 Oct 2022 3:27 pm (UK Time)
Diogo Jota will miss the World Cup after a calf injury he picked up against Manchester City.
The forward is set for a prolonged spell out with Klopp confirming it will be “months” until we see Jota back on the pitch.
The Portuguese needed a stretcher in stoppage time during Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Man City, his injury will see him miss at least the next eight Liverpool games along with the World Cup.
Klopp gave an update to the press during his West Ham press conference, where he confirmed: “It’s really not good news about Diogo. Yes, he will miss the World Cup. [It’s a] pretty serious injury in the calf muscle and now the recovery process starts. That’s it pretty much.
“That is the first diagnosis, which was pretty clear, and all the rest will now follow in the next few days.
“It is very sad news for the boy, and for us as well of course [and] for Portugal.”
Jota’s injury will not require surgery, Klopp confirmed but did add “It will be months, I don’t want to put a number on it.
“He’s surprisingly okay so far, he’s a smart boy, very reflective, and I think he knew already when we carried him off the pitch.
“It will have a big impact. So now we can say that because he will not be in for a long time.
“So, we will see. I always hope in the middle of the rehab there is a very positive development and we can cut days off the rehab phase, but it will be long.”
Jota tweeted his sadness about his injury, stating: “After such a good night at Anfield mine ended in the worst way!
“In the last minute, one of my dreams collapsed.
“I will be one more supporting from the outside, club and country, and fighting to be back as soon as possible.
“You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
Jota’s injury will cause further disruption to his already stop-start season after he missed the first month of the Premier League with a hamstring injury.
The forward’s miss will be a significant blow to Klopp’s team with Luis Diaz also injured, Liverpool will now need to reshape their forward line once again.
Although the impact of Jota’s injury could be lessened with the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Curtis Jones and Naby Keita all returning to some form of training.
Klopp offered an update on the team’s injuries: “Oxlade getting closer, yesterday team training. Naby now in parts of team training. Ibou won’t be out long, maybe 10 days.
“[Calvin Ramsey] Now back in full training. Had a little setback, but now ready for the under-21s at the weekend.”
Jota’s miss will offer 20-year-old summer signing Fabio Carvalho an opportunity as he seems best placed to take up the vacancy on the left-side of the pitch.
Klopp rates the Portuguese young forward highly, previously stating: “What a talent he is, hey?
“A player who can bring a stadium to its feet. He puts his personality into his performances, he is confident and adventurous with the ball, and he wants to make things happen.
“He is a versatile player for sure and is very much an attacking threat with his creativity and dynamism.”
Darwin Nunez has also played on the left elsewhere in his career and with Salah benefiting from operating in central areas, Nunez could fill the gap left by Jota.
Liverpool face West Ham next, and Klopp will be looking to build momentum in spite of all the injuries his team have.
