Jurgen Klopp says Diogo Jota could play in the Champions League against Real Madrid

By Ben Evans

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will be hoping for a greatly improved performance when his side face Wolves.

They travel to Molineux in the FA Cup after Julen Lopetegui’s side earned a replay at Anfield last week.

Speaking to the press ahead of the game, via Liverpool Echo, Klopp was looking further forward than tonight’s fixture.

The Reds have no chance of winning the Premier League this season, and Champions League qualification already looks tricky.

It means the cup competitions could end up being the sole focus of Klopp’s side.

Staying in the FA Cup tonight would be a good start, although Wolves will likely be stubborn opposition.

Their best chance of qualifying for Europe’s premier competition next season may be to win it this year.

Liverpool face Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League, in a repeat of last year’s final.

The Reds will want to avenge their defeat in Paris, and Klopp has now said he hopes Diogo Jota will be available for their Champions League clash.

The Portuguese winger has been injured for several months and missed out on the World Cup.

However, he’s now nearing a return to action.

Jota could be fit for Liverpool’s Champions League tie

Speaking to Liverpool Echo, Klopp was asked if he was worried Jota wouldn’t be in top form for when European football returns next month.

“No, because it is Diogo,” Klopp said.

“He is extremely smart football-wise, he will be back here again [in his mind] because it is like he is playing the games without playing the games.

“I don’t know exactly how long he will be out for, but he looks really good. He is out there on the pitch and doing a lot of stuff already but he will be out for another few weeks.

“Is he in contention for the Champions League? From my point of view, yes. But I don’t know. Yes.”

It would be a big boost to have Jota available for their Champions League tie.

Liverpool’s attack has looked disjointed for much of the season, and Jota not being available has been a factor.

Capable of playing on the left or through the middle, the 26-year-old is a valuable option for Klopp.

Jota was part of the training camp that went to Dubai last month, but continued his rehab separately.