---
title: "Virals: Pep Lijnders admits Diogo Jota availability is a ‘challenge’"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/virals-pep-lijnders-admits-diogo-jota-availability-is-a-challenge/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2022-02-25T14:15:00Z"
modified: "2022-02-25T14:16:35Z"
---

# Virals: Pep Lijnders admits Diogo Jota availability is a ‘challenge’

[Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2022/02/25/pundit-makes-frightening-liverpool-attacking-admission/) assistant manager Pep Lijnders has suggested [Diogo Jota](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2022/02/24/virals-liverpool-ace-diogo-jota-on-track-to-feature-in-carabao-cup-final/) still faces an uphill challenge to be fit for the Carabao Cup final.

The 26-year-old forward damaged [ankle ligaments](https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/diogo-jota-injury-update-latest-liverpool-carabao-cup-final-ankle-1472546) in the victory over Inter Milan and has subsequently missed clashes with Norwich City and Leeds United.

However, the Portuguese ace is [nearing fitness](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/thiago-alcantara-no-brainer-decision-23209993) in time to be ready for the Wembley showpiece.

Speaking to the press ahead of the final against Chelsea, Lijnders [admitted](https://twitter.com/_pauljoyce/status/1497209825071140866) that Jota will be touch and go in terms of availability.

> Pep Lijnders says "it will be a challenge" for Diogo Jota to be fit for the CC final. Roberto Firmino will miss the game.
>
> — paul joyce (@\_pauljoyce) [February 25, 2022](https://twitter.com/_pauljoyce/status/1497209825071140866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

The coach [confirmed](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPporGDy78g) that there had been no adverse reaction thus far as the ace made a return to sections of training.

So far this season Jota has [scored 17 times and provided three assists](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/diogo-jota/leistungsdaten/spieler/340950) across all competitions.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

It seems that the best-case scenario would see the [£54million valued](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/diogo-jota/marktwertverlauf/spieler/340950) star named on the bench – even that would be a huge boost to the Reds, with Jurgen Klopp able to call upon a [potent goalscorer](https://www.sofascore.com/player/diogo-jota/606164) if required.

Were that to indeed be the case, Luis Diaz, [Divock Origi](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2022/02/24/virals-serie-a-manager-really-likes-liverpool-star-divock-origi/), Takumi Minamino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane would all be vying for a starting spot.

Regardless of Jota’s role in this clash, an [imminent return to fitness](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/roberto-firmino-and-diogo-jota-fitness-update) seems inevitable which would be welcome news to Liverpool supporters everywhere.