I Hope Jota Will Be Fit For Real Madrid Clash, Says Klopp

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says he’s hopeful Diogo Jota will be fit enough to face Real Madrid in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League clash next month.

The Portugal international hasn’t played since suffering a serious calf injury in the closing stages of Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Manchester City on October 16 but is back in light training.

Liverpool host Real Madrid in the first leg of their last-16 tie in the European Cup on February 21 and asked if he was concerned Jota would not reach his best form until next season due to the injuries suffered and lack of football, Klopp said: “No, because it is Diogo.

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“He is extremely smart football-wise, he will be back here again [in his mind] because it is like he is playing the games without playing the games.

“I don’t know exactly how long he will be out for, but he looks really good. He is out there on the pitch and doing a lot of stuff already but he will be out for another few weeks.

“Is he in contention for the Champions League? From my point of view, yes. But I don’t know. Yes.”