Jurgen Klopp told Liverpool’s website after the 3-3 draw with Benfica that striker Diogo Jota has picked up a knock – just days before Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City. Jota was withdrawn on 57 minutes.
Jota, 25, has been sensational for Liverpool this season. Scoring 21 goals, he laid on his fourth assist for the Reds in their 3-3 draw with Benfica on Wednesday night. Liverpool are through to the Champions League semis.
It is the latest in an incredibly tough run. The FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City, and then Manchester United at Anfield. A Merseyside derby. Then, the small matter of the Champions League semi-finals.
So it will come as a potential blow, that Klopp could be without Jota on Saturday. He confirmed after the draw with Benfica that Jota picked up a knock: “Diogo got a knock in the first half, that’s what I know.”
Klopp on Jota: Who starts on against City, if Liverpool are without him?
A simple answer, Roberto Firmino. His brace against Benfica was superb and the Brazil international has an excellent record against the Premier League champions. A reunion of the old front three, on the biggest stage.
Playing as a false nine might give Pep Guardiola something more to think about, and the City defenders, compared to the more-natural striker of Jota, may struggle to deal with it. It might give Liverpool an unexpected edge.
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