Liverpool are facing a bit of a setback as they navigate the aftermath of a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Manchester City. The clash with the reigning champions came at a cost, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker and forward Diogo Jota both nursing injuries.
Ali remains hopeful to make a swift return, targeting the clash against Manchester United next month for his comeback. However, his absence stands set to span at least the next five games. The Brazilian shot-stopper sustained a hamstring injury during the closing stages of the match at the Etihad, receiving on-field treatment both during and after the game.
On the other hand, the news surrounding Diogo Jota is less reassuring. The Portuguese forward, a key attacking presence for Liverpool, limped off the pitch just nine minutes into the second half against City.
Speaking to the press ahead of our Europa League clash against LASK, here is what Klopp had to say on the injuries via ECHO:
“Both are out. With Ali it’s a bit lesser, so we have to see. Not day by day he cannot play tomorrow or Sunday, probably not the week after but then should be kind of okay.”
“Diogo will take a little bit longer, we don’t know exactly how long. We have to see. Is Alisson as bad as we feared? No, but bad enough.”
Jota’s pace, movement, and goal-scoring instincts have made him a valuable asset, and finding a suitable replacement will be a challenge for Klopp.
As Liverpool navigate a congested fixture schedule and challenging opponents, the manager will have to rely on the squad’s depth to cope with the absence of these key players. The hope is that Alisson’s return will provide a timely boost, while Jota’s recovery timeline becomes clearer in the coming weeks.
Without Alisson and Jota, attention will turn to the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher, who is likely to deputize in goal, and other attacking options to fill the void left by Jota.
The squad’s resilience and the manager’s tactical acumen will certainly be crucial in maintaining Liverpool’s competitiveness across domestic and European competitions.
Liverpool faces additional challenges with third-choice goalkeeper Adrian ineligible for the Europa League, leaving youngsters Fabian Mrozek and Vitezslav Jaros as the alternatives on the bench, both of whom have already featured in the competition this season.
The absence of Diogo Jota compounds the team’s concerns, as the Portuguese forward has been a key contributor, scoring eight goals in 17 appearances this season. The depth of the squad will be tested across various competitions, and Liverpool will need a collective effort from the available players to maintain their competitive edge in both domestic and European football.
Leave a Reply