Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says Diogo Jota could face Real Madrid

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is hoping Diogo Jota will be available to face Real Madrid in their Champions League clash at Anfield next month.

Jota has not played for Liverpool since The Reds’ 1-0 win over Manchester City on October 22, 2022. The former Wolves winger has been out for the last three months with a calf injury. 

In Jota’s absence, Liverpool have struggled so far, with Klopp’s men sitting in ninth place on the Premier League table, ten points off the Champions League spot. 

Jota’s injury has affected Liverpool badly as he has been a superb player for the club since he joined from Wolves in the summer of 2020. 

However, Klopp has provided a positive update on Jota’s status, saying the Portugal international could return for The Reds' clash against Real Madrid next month. 

Klopp says Jota has resumed light training, and he is hoping the 26-year-old will be fully fit for the huge game against the defending champions on February 21. 

"I don’t know exactly how long Diogo will be out for, but he looks really good," Klopp said at his press conference ahead of Liverpool’s clash against Wolves. 

 "He is out there on the pitch and doing a lot of stuff already but he will be out for another few weeks. In contention for the Champions League? From my point of view, yes,” he added. 

Jota’s potential return will be a massive boost for Liverpool, who have been a shadow of their former self. His availability could also play a key role in The Reds’ chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season. 

With Klopp’s men ten points behind fourth-placed Manchester United in the Premier League, Liverpool’s realistic chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League is to win the title this year.