Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Diogo Jota has suffered ankle ligament damage with the Liverpool forward now a major doubt for the Carabao Cup final later this month.
Jota, who has 17 goals this season, picked up the injury during the 2-0 win over Inter Milan at the San Siro on Wednesday night.
Images have since surfaced showing the former Wolves striker leaving the Italian capital on crutches, throwing his availability for the Wembley final on February 27 into question.
The Portuguese forward has become the preferred option in the centre of Liverpool’s prolific front three, having usurped Roberto Firmino with his impressive goalscoring record.
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Immediately after the win over Inter, Klopp had suggested the injury wasn’t too serious, revealing he could have played on.
But speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Norwich City, the Reds boss has confirmed he is definitely out this weekend, with further tests underway to ascertain a full diagnosis.
“No he will not be available,” Klopp confirmed. “We need further assessment. Some ligaments around the ankle, but not the ligament. Everything is possible. It could go quickly or the other way, unfortunately. We have to wait.
“Everybody saw the picture of him in the boot - this is a normal procedure, even when you just feel something they put you in that boot."
In absence of Jota, Firmino is destined to come back into the starting lineup, having scored the crucial opener in midweek.
That was just the Brazilian’s second goal in 2022, with his last coming against League One minnows Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup.
But as expected, Klopp has heaped praise on the Premier League winner, claiming when he is on form, it makes Liverpool a better side.
Klopp added: “Bobby is Bobby. If you knew him better, you'd be more positive about him. He's an incredible person.
“When he's in the mood, he helps the team massively. No players should think they won't get minutes. He could be in the team each day.
"Bobby could be in each XI every single day because of his quality. It was one of the most important goals we've scored. It calmed everything down and we got the momentum back."
Jota’s injury has also highlighted just how important the January acquisition of Luis Diaz could yet prove to be, the Reds swooped to land the Porto star and the increase in squad depth could instantly boost their chances.
On the strength in depth now at his disposal, Klopp admitted that his squad is now stronger than ever, although that doesn’t automatically mean they will win silverware.
"We are not the Harlem Globetrotters. There are a lot of good teams and squads we have to battle with.
“We need each and every one of these players. Top squad, best I've ever had, but stop asking me about the squad. We talk about it for 2 weeks and now Diogo is out."
