Ray Parlour has stated that it’s ‘such a shame’ that Diogo Jota has picked up an injury for Liverpool that is set to rule him out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar next month.
The Arsenal legend added that it is a ‘big blow’ for the player himself and Jurgen Klopp’s side because he is a ‘great little player’, as he told talkSPORT on Wednesday morning (19/22).
Jota picked up a calf injury as the Reds beat Premier League champions Manchester City 1-0 at Anfield on Sunday – the Portugal international was stretched off towards the end of the game.
Players far and wide, over the years, have missed major tournament after major tournament because of injury.
Someone like Borussia Dortmund superstar, Marco Reus is no different, after missing many tournaments for that reason, including their 2014 triumph, although, he is now set for Qatar.
At 25, Jota has many, many chances to, not just feature at the next World Cup in the USA, but in many more after that, as Parlour shared his thoughts on the player.
“Jota is out now, which is a big blow for Liverpool,” said Parlour. “It’s such a shame because there is a World Cup around the corner.
“But you could do that at any time of the year when you get a World Cup. I feel sorry for Jota because he’s a great little player.”
LIVERPOOL’S ATTACK WEAKENED
Mo Salah showcased glimpses of his old self when Liverpool beat Manchester City on Sunday, and the Anfield faithful will be hoping that continues.
The Reds are going to rely on him a lot more now that Jota and Luis Diaz are now sidelined until after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Darwin Nunez is still trying to find his feet, whilst there are two young lads – Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho – chomping on the bit.
Either way, it puts big pressure on the experienced duo in the final third – Salah and Roberto Firmino – both of whom will be expected to start against West Ham tonight.
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