Liverpool forward Diogo Jota will not compete in the World Cup in Qatar because of a calf injury, according to the manager Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds defeated Pep Guardiola’s team 1-0 thanks to a wonderful goal from Mohamed Salah in stoppage time. However, the victory was left in the dark by Jota’s unfortunate injury as he was carried off on a stretcher.
Although the Portugal international won’t need surgery, Klopp has revealed that he will miss the tournament in Qatar later this month due to a long period of recovery.
As reported by the club’s official website, the German manager said:
“It’s really not good news about Diogo. Yes, he will miss the World Cup. [It’s a] pretty serious injury in the calf muscle and now the recovery process starts. That’s it pretty much.
“That is the first diagnosis, which was pretty clear, and all the rest will now follow in the next few days. It is very sad news for the boy, and for us as well of course [and] for Portugal.”
Jota, who has scored 10 goals in 29 appearances for Portugal, has recently started struggling with a hamstring injury after suffering from a similar cause in the preseason games.
He missed the first few games of the season before making his comeback on September 3 in a draw with Everton. Later the same month, during the international break, Jota played for Portugal and scored in a 4-0 victory over the Czech Republic.
It’s a major setback for the player, and it comes after a recent injury to Liverpool forward Luis Diaz, who was also forced to withdraw from the World Cup due to injury.
The Reds’ persistent injury crisis has now spread to the forward position after suffering set-backs in midfield and defence.
