Diogo Jota: Pundit issues ‘massive’ claim after Liverpool injury update
Diogo Jota could play a key role for Liverpool in tomorrow’s League Cup final against Chelsea, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 25-year-old is one of a number of “fantastic” options capable of firing the Anfield club to success in four competitions this term.
Jota has missed Liverpool’s last two fixtures with an ankle ligament injury.
As quoted by The Guardian in yesterday’s (25 February) pre-match press conference, assistant boss Pep Ljinders claimed the Portugal winger “isn’t ruled out” faces a “challenge” in order to be passed fit for the Wembley showpiece.
January signing Luis Diaz has started the last two games in Jota’s injury absence.
Whelan suggested the Reds’ “abundance” of quality could “come into its own” in the final stages of the season.
“The options are fantastic for Liverpool, especially across that front line,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“If you want to put Jota anywhere across that front line, you can do just that. When you’re in four competitions and fighting as hard as they are, you need those kinds of options.
“You need quality to turn to, and Liverpool have got that in abundance. If you look at Chelsea, they didn’t win the Champions League by having under-23s sat on the bench – they had almost a second team full of internationals.
“This is where that depth and that quality really comes into its own as all these competitions advance to the latter stages and the other teams fall away.
“Jota is a very important piece of the puzzle at Liverpool. He showed that with his massive performances while the two superstars were away last month.
“He proved that he could do it and shoulder that responsibility. He could be key to turning the game if it’s not going to plan tomorrow.”
Liverpool have the opportunity to win their first trophy of the season.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are also still in the hunt for success in the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.
In other news, Liverpool “hot” on signing Darwin Nunez after £40m bid rejected.