James Pearce has revealed that Diogo Jota is not expected to return to competitive action until February.
This follows the journalist’s earlier update on the Portugal international, which paints a comparatively worse picture than one that suggested the striker could return to action by “late January”.
“The break has also allowed midfielder Naby Keita (hamstring) and centre-back Joel Matip (calf) to return to full fitness,” the reporter wrote for The Athletic.
“Keita has not played since the Community Shield victory over City at the end of July and it is a crucial period for the Guinea international with his contract expiring in the summer.
“Diogo Jota is expected to travel to Dubai to continue his rehabilitation program in the sun. A serious calf injury ruled him out of the Portugal World Cup squad and it is unlikely that he will play again until February.”
On a more positive note, Luis Diaz should be available for at least a handful of minutes in our next few friendlies in Dubai, which would put him in excellent shape to return to full competitive action when the Reds take on Manchester City at the Carabao. . Bowl.
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Though not a seismic setback in the grand scheme of things, it does rule out the former Wolves hitman from our Chelsea host on January 21 and leaves fans with a nervous wait ahead of the following month that includes a key meeting. with Real Madrid in the round of 16 of the Champions League.
Assuming there are no more injuries between now and February, we’ll be in a very good position as far as our attacking options are concerned.
However, there is no doubt that having a player like Jota, who can create something out of nothing, ready for selection in a game of this magnitude could make all the difference.
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