Sorely missed Liverpool man closes in on return for huge Anfield clash

Diogo Jota Liverpool v Leicester November 2020

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota will reportedly return to training on Wednesday but remains unlikely to play in Sunday’s clash with Sheffield United.

The Portuguese attacker has not played since damaging his knee against Midtjylland in early December.

Since then, Liverpool‘s results have taken a sharp downward spiral, with the Reds slipping down the table.

But while Jota’s absence is not the direct source of the Reds’ problems, his return will prove a key boost.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the 24-year-old is to return to first-team training in midweek. However, he will need ‘several’ sessions before manager Jurgen Klopp will consider him available.

As such, Sunday’s clash with the Blades could come too soon.

However, the newspaper claims that next Thursday’s meeting with Chelsea could be the perfect time to bring him back in.

The clash at Anfield will prove a pivotal match in the hunt for the Premier League’s top four; Liverpool sit sixth, with Chelsea three points ahead in fifth.

Klopp: Jota has improved our front three

Klopp: Jota has improved our front three

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says Diogo Jota has improved the club's attacking options after scoring seven goals in his last seven games.

A struggle for attacking intensity has plagued Liverpool in recent months, with the Reds losing four in a row in the top flight.

Therefore, Jota could be the man to reinvigorate Jurgen Klopp‘s side. The winger made a flying start to his Anfield career, scoring nine goals in 17 games.

What’s more, he hit a Champions League hat-trick against Atalanta and scored the winning goals in matches with Sheffield United and West Ham.

Mohamed Salah has continued his fine form, but Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have struggled in recent weeks.

Liverpool braced over Henderson injury

Jordan Henderson Liverpool v Everton February 2021

But just as Liverpool prepare to welcome an injured star back to their ranks, another is set for a spell on the sidelines.

Captain Jordan Henderson suffered a groin issue in the 2-0 defeat to Everton on Saturday.

According to reports, Liverpool are fearful about the timescale of the injury.

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