Liverpool have been handed a major blow as there are increasing fears that Diogo Jota could miss the World Cup and games beforehand after being stretchered off in the dying seconds of his side’s 1-0 win over Manchester City.
Jurgen Klopp’s side managed to pick up a vital three points courtesy of a goal from Mo Salah, after he had an almost identical effort brilliantly saved by Ederson minutes earlier.
City, who had a goal ruled out for a foul by Erling Haaland on Fabinho, lacked much of their customary attacking edge, and struggled to break down Klopp’s resolute Reds despite a frail-looking defence thanks to the absences of both Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate.
However, the sweetness of the victory at Anfield was marred somewhat by a late injury to Jota, who was stretchered off in the dying seconds of the game after what looked to be a calf injury.
“If Diogo stays down, it is not good”, Klopp told the media after the game, and as per the Athletic, it is looking bleak for the forward with fears that his World Cup hopes could be over too.
“The 25-year-old will have a scan today (Monday) but there are fears the Portugal international has suffered a serious injury to his right calf and his hopes of representing his country at the World Cup in Qatar are in doubt”, they report.
The Reds have already lost Luis Diaz to injury, with the Colombian having been forced off in the first half of their 3-2 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates with a knee problem. It was later confirmed that he will play no further part in matches until at least the New Year, and with Jota potentially set to join him on the treatment table options are running thin.
As it stands, Harvey Elliot and Fabio Carvalho could be left as the only recognised backups available to Jurgen Klopp.
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