Jurgen Klopp offers update on Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino ahead of Leeds clash

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that injured players Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino will both miss the Wednesday night clash against Leeds United.

"I would like to have Jota and Firmino available but that will not happen for tomorrow. I don't think about fixtures and when they come up, we just prepare for them."

While both are ruled out of the game against Leeds United, it remains to be seen whether either will be fit to play in Sunday’s Carabao Cup Final against Chelsea.

Klopp said “No chance, I can easily say now no they’re not on the pitch for training that’s not a good sign.” Klopp had initially noted that Jota’s injury “didn't seem serious."

The Portugal international’s absence would be a significant blow — especially for the League Cup Final — as he has been one of the team’s most consistent performers, scoring 17 goals already this season.

The in-form forward Jota, who is judged as a major doubt for the League Cup final showdown this weekend, suffered an ankle ligament issue in the Champions league win against Inter Milan.

The loss of Firmino is another headache for Klopp after the Brazilian forward — so influential in breaking the deadlock in the win at the San Siro — was described by the manager as being “out for a while” after the Norwich game.

Anfield Watch Verdict

The potential loss of two key forward players in Jota and Firmino will be critical for this crucial week in Liverpool's season.

It comes at a time where the Reds can win their first trophy of the season and close the cap on Manchester City to just three points.

While the absence of such talented first team players would usually be a huge blow, the depth in Liverpool's squad with the signing of £49 million man Luis Diaz would offset that loss. Especially as the Colombian international has made a strong impact early on in his Liverpool life.

Diaz even got some praise off manager Jurgen Klopp for his first debut goal against Norwich, which came after a slick 34-pass move.

"Very satisfying. These moments are really rare - you have to work so hard to get any advantage but if you have it, we are then able to do some really nice stuff. 34 passes, I loved them all."

Klopp continued: "The last pass from Hendo was pretty special. We had a big gap in the centre because there was no last line which Luis used and that was because of our movement. That's how football can look and should look."

Diaz’s good form early in his Liverpool career caught the attention of pundit and former reds star Peter Crouch who viewed that Liverpool have done some solid business in bringing the Columbian to Merseyside.

“Diogo Jota said Luis Diaz was the best player in the Portuguese league by a distance — it wasn't as if he was a hidden gem — so Liverpool have done exceptionally well to tie him down ahead of others.”