The sight of Diogo Jota and Virgil Van Dijk on the training field yesterday made Liverpool fans enthusiastic.
The duo had both suffered knee injuries last year. While long term injury victim Van Dijk is stepping up his rehabilitation, Diogo Jota is also closing in on a return to action for Liverpool.
Since December, Diogo Jota has featured in any match. On Wednesday, he completed a full session with Jurgen Klopp’s first-team squad at the AXA training centre.
Van Dijk’s absence from the League, stretches back further after he suffered knee injury due to a challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during last October’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Unlike Jota, Van Dijk’s return isn’t immediate or certain, but he took part in an individual outdoor session away from his team-mates and appeared to be in good spirits.
Liverpool won four and had a draw in three out of eight matches with Van Dijk in the side this season, including a remarkable 7-2 loss at Aston Villa.
That 50 per cent win ratio has not been maintained in his absence, however, with 14 wins, seven draws and eight losses amounting to 48.3 per cent.
Jota’s comeback may be key to their hopes of reaching a third final in four seasons in the Champions League.
He netted a hat-trick in the 5-0 group-stage thrashing of Atalanta and overall Liverpool won 58.8 per cent of games with Jota involved (W10 D5 L2).
While Sunday’s trip to Sheffield United may come too soon for Jota, he could potentially feature in the home clash with top-four rivals Chelsea next Thursday.
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