Jurgen Klopp Doubtful of Diogo Jota’s Availability for Liverpool’s Boxing Day Match against Burnley
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has expressed uncertainty over the availability of Diogo Jota for the team’s upcoming Boxing Day fixture against Burnley. Jota has been sidelined for the past eight games due to a hamstring injury sustained during a match against Manchester City in late November.
Although Jota has made progress in his recovery this week, it appears unlikely that he will be fit in time for the trip to Turf Moor. Speaking after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal, Klopp stated, “I don’t want to rule out anybody now, we will see. He didn’t train with the team yet, so it will be a surprise. But maybe I will get a surprise. I don’t know.”
Klopp also addressed the team’s injury crisis at left-back, with Kostas Tsimikas suffering a suspected broken collarbone against Arsenal and Andy Robertson still out following shoulder surgery. The manager indicated that Joe Gomez would continue to fill in at left-back, but expressed uncertainty about Gomez’s ability to play every game during this busy period.
“We will see. Can Joey play all the games coming up now until I don’t know when Robbo will be back? Kostas is now definitely out for a while. I don’t know, we will have to see,” Klopp said. He reassured fans that someone would step up to fill the position but admitted he hadn’t had time to fully consider the options.
In the meantime, Klopp emphasized the need to protect Gomez and ensure he is ready for the upcoming matches. Liverpool’s other immediate options at left-back include youngsters Luke Chambers, 19, and Calum Scanlon, 18.
The team’s injury woes have highlighted the importance of luck in navigating through such challenging periods. Klopp acknowledged that injuries like broken collarbones and long-term recovery times require patience and a stroke of good fortune.
As Liverpool prepares for their match against Burnley, the team remains hopeful for Jota’s return but understands the need to prioritize his recovery and avoid rushing him back too soon.