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Jurgen Klopp has been missing the injured Diogo Jota. (Image: Getty)
With much of the focus on Liverpool’s misfiring strikers at Manchester United on Sunday, it’s the absence of one key forward that has seemingly cost them more than the actual missed chances.
The Reds blew a host of opportunities in their 2-2 draw at Old Trafford, a result that left them second in the Premier League table on goal difference. Liverpool managed 28 shots against United, who only mustered seven in return. They also had 62 per cent of possession but were wasteful with Mo Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Dominik Szoboszlai among those guilty of wasting clear opportunities.
Jurgen Klopp cut a frustrated figure afterwards, and would have been ruing the absence of Diogo Jota. The Portuguese forward has not played since February 17 after picking up a knee injury against Brentford, and his issue may inadvertently cost his side the Premier League title. Jota, 27, has scored 14 goals in 18 starts for the club this season, and was awarded the league’s Player of the Month Award in January.
Jota has scored 14 times in just 18 starts this season. (Image: Getty)
It’s not the first lay-off that the former Wolves man has endured this season either. After a month on the sidelines, he previously returned on Boxing Day to score in Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Burnley, and his influence was lauded by Klopp afterwards.
Describing Jota as “super important” to his team, the German added: “Diogo is a very smart footballer, he understands the game really well. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Last week, he confirmed the star would soon return to full training, with the Reds still having seven league games to play. The likes of Wataru Endo, Alisson Becker, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also expected to imminently return. Liverpool host Crystal Palace on Sunday, a game sandwiched between their two Europa League legs with Atalanta.