Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has suggested that Diogo Jota is nearing a return to first-team action.

Speaking before the Merseyside derby yesterday, Klopp confirmed that Fabinho and James Milner were still sidelined but he said that the pair, along with Jota, were getting close to being available for selection:

“Fab gets closer, Milly gets closer, Diogo gets closer but not in time for the weekend.”

Jota has not played since injuring his knee against FC Midtjylland in mid-December. The Portuguese international was initially expected to be back in contention at the start of this month but his recovery has taken longer than expected.

Klopp said at the end of last week that the forward was two to three weeks away from returning to full training so it seems he may have an outside chance of being involved in the match against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane next Sunday.

The clash against Fulham the following weekend, though, is probably the most realistic return date in terms of expecting him to start a game.