Liverpool’s Diogo Jota faces late fitness test before Fulham after injury in Champions League

Jurgen Klopp also gave an update on the return of Alisson Becker

Lawrence Ostlere
Friday 11 December 2020 13:18 GMT
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Diogo Jota took a knock in Champions League action
Diogo Jota took a knock in Champions League action (AP)

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Diogo Jota faces a late fitness test before Liverpool’s Premier League match at Fulham on Sunday. Jurgen Klopp revealed that Jota picked up a knock in the Champions League draw with FC Midtjylland in midweek, and will have to be assessed before the game at Craven Cottage. 

The left-back Kostas Tsimikas also faces a fitness test after playing in midweek, but Liverpool are boosted by the return to training of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

“Kostas, we have to see," Klopp said. "Diogo got a knock as well. Oxlade is in normal training.”

On Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is yet to feature this season after a knee injury in preseason training, Klopp added: "It’s been a long time after a challenge in training. It’s avtough time for him but now the sun shines for him. It’s great for him, great for us, but we cannot rush it. When he’s long enough in team training he will be an option.”

Alisson Becker could return in goal after his recent hamstring injury. Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has deputised well in the Brazilian’s absence, but his run in the starting team looks set to end this weekend. 

“Alisson will return to training today, and if he can come through the session OK, then he can play,” the manager said.

Joe Gomez, Thiago Alcantara, Xherdan Shaqiri, James Milner and Virgil van Dijk remain out of contention. 

Fulham have no new injury worries but the game comes too soon for defenders Kenny Tete and Terence Kongolo.

“We’re looking good,” said manager Scott Parker. “We’ve got a clean bill of health. It’s probably a bit too early for Kenney and Kongolo, but they’re on the right track.”

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