Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-20 15:30:01
Liverpool’s Diogo Jota is facing an extended period on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury in the team’s win against Brentford. The injury adds to the mounting injury woes faced by manager Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool continues to chase Premier League glory.
In addition to Jota, midfielder Curtis Jones and forward Darwin Nunez were also forced off the pitch with injuries during the match. Jones left the stadium on crutches after injuring his ankle, while Nunez was withdrawn with a knock. The injury situation is further compounded by the absence of goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dominik Szoboszlai, Thiago Alcantara, and Joel Matip.
Speaking about the injury situation, Klopp expressed his concern, acknowledging that the team is facing challenges due to the multiple injuries. He confirmed that Alisson Becker was ruled out with a muscle injury, the extent of which is uncertain. Diogo Jota has a knee issue and Curtis Jones is dealing with a bone/ligament issue, ruling both of them out as well. The situation with the remaining injured players will be assessed on a day-by-day basis.
When questioned about the recovery time for the injuries, Klopp indicated that Jota’s injury would likely take months to heal due to its severity. He explained that it is difficult to provide a specific timeframe for recovery, as each player reacts differently to injuries and their level of pain varies.
Despite the injury setbacks, Liverpool is currently leading the Premier League, two points ahead of second-placed Arsenal. The team is also set to face Chelsea in the League Cup final and is still competing in the FA Cup and Europa League. Klopp acknowledged the contribution of the squad players and their ability to step up when needed. He emphasized the importance of the entire squad and their ability to deliver when called upon.
As Liverpool battles for the Premier League title against Arsenal and Manchester City, the focus is on managing the current injury challenges while also preparing for upcoming important matches. Klopp praised the resilience and determination of the squad and expressed confidence in their ability to overcome the obstacles they are currently facing.
