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Jurgen Klopp provides update o...

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Jurgen Klopp provides update on impending return of Diogo Jota


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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has given a positive update on the fitness of Diogo Jota. 

The pacy Portuguese forward hasn't featured since suffering a knee injury in December's Champions League dead rubber away to Midtylland.

During that time, Liverpool's title defence has tanked.

But having returned to full training earlier this week, Jota could play some part in the Reds' Sunday evening game away to Sheffield United.

"Diogo trained now twice with the team, looks very good – very good," Klopp said at his Friday news conference, "But [he] was out long term so we have to see what we can do with that.

"But in training he looks really promising."

Klopp was less forthcoming about a potential return of Fabinho. The Brazilian sustained a muscle injury in the 4-1 hammering at the hands of Manchester City earlier in the month.

"Fab was not yet with the team," the manager said, "That can happen tomorrow, if I’m 100 per cent right, he has his first session with the team.

"And same for James Milner. That’s it, all the others are long term.”

But Klopp insists those long-term absentees have plenty to offer the side in terms of influence.

Virgil van Dijk has been a keen observer of Liverpool's recent outings at Anfield as he continues his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury.

And the same will be true of captain Jordan Henderson, who will be on the shelf until early April following a groin operation.

"They all have to be influential, that’s clear," Klopp said.

"We have so many injured players who are not available in the moment and most of them are leaders in this group.

“They are here doing their rehab - Hendo is not here yet, but Virgil, Millie, Joe and Joel all have to be influential here and that’s what they will be.

"In the moment Hendo is back [in Kirkby] he has to play this role while doing his rehab.

“The best-case scenario, I don’t know. It’s not a quick one, but we all hope there’s a possibility for him to play a few games this season. We will see.”

For more of these stories, visit otbsports.com

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DIOGO JOTA Fabinho Jordan Henderson Jurgen Klopp Liverpool Premier League Sheffield United Virgil Van Dijk

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