sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
The little known Liverpool wonderkid who could break through following Diogo Jota's injury
Home>Football
Updated 17:16 18 Oct 2022 GMT+1Published 16:11 18 Oct 2022 GMT+1

The little known Liverpool wonderkid who could break through following Diogo Jota's injury

Harvey Blair could be handed a first-team opportunity in the absence of Diogo Jota through injury.

Ryan Smart

Ryan Smart

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota will miss the World Cup due to an injury he sustained during the 1-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday.

The Portuguese star pulled up in the closing stages of the match at Anfield with a calf injury. He was subsequently taken off on a stretcher.

Speaking after the match, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp confirmed that the injury was "not good", although was unable to give a definitive answer regarding its seriousness.

Advert

However, prior to Liverpool's Premier League clash with West Ham on Wednesday, the German has revealed that Jota will miss the World Cup, which begins in November.

He explained (quotes via Sky Sports): "[It is a] pretty serious injury in the calf muscle, and now the recovery process starts. That's it, pretty much.

"That is the first diagnosis, which is pretty clear, and all the rest will now follow in the next few days.

"It is very sad news for the boy, and for us as well, of course, [and] for Portugal. But no [he doesn't need an operation].

Advert

"It will have a big impact. So, now we can say that because he will not be in for a long time; we talk about months."

Who could replace Diogo Jota?

Since signing from Wolves in the summer of 2020, Diogo Jota has become an integral part of Liverpool's attack.

The Portugal international has scored 34 goals in 94 appearances for the club.


Advert

His injury leaves Liverpool light on numbers in attack. Luis Diaz will also be out until after the World Cup due to injury.

The Reds do have Fabio Carvalho and Harvey Elliott who can both play in wide areas, although Elliott has been required to play more often in central midfield due to selection issues in that position.

Darwin Nunez could also come into the team, either at centre forward or as a wide striker, given he played both roles at previous club Benfica.

Alternatively, Klopp could look towards the fringes of his first team, or at the academy, to find a Jota replacement.

Harvey Blair: Liverpool's future attacking talent

At 19 years of age, young winger Harvey Blair has already had a taste of first team action for Liverpool. He started the Reds' 2-0 win over Preston North End in the Carabao Cup fourth round last season.

Advert

Blair was invited to train with the first team the day before the match at Deepdale, before Klopp picked him in his starting XI.

The youngster featured in Liverpool's under-18 squad last season, scoring 14 goals. This earned him a call-up to the under-23s.


Advert

Blair has also scored two goals in six appearances in the Premier League 2 this term. In addition, he started the U21 side's 1-0 defeat to Rochdale in the Papa John's Trophy last month.

Primarily a right winger, the 19-year-old could be a viable option for Liverpool's starting XI, if Klopp deems him ready. The Reds will be desperate to avoid any injury to Mohamed Salah in the coming weeks, meaning rotation may be necessary.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Liverpool, Premier League, Diogo Jota, Jurgen Klopp

Ryan Smart
Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.

Recommended reads

Luke Riley makes bold prediction ahead of blockbuster fight on Conor McGregor v Max Holloway cardGetty ImagesForget Conor McGregor - Lone'er Kavanagh is the UFC star you should be watching this weekendGetty ImagesF1 and F3 trainer reveals gruelling physical and mental work drivers must do for each race ahead of British GPGettyDavid Croft proposes new Olympic sport with drivers from 'around the world' ahead of British GPGetty

Advert

Choose your content:

26 mins ago
an hour ago
2 hours ago
  • Getty Images
    26 mins ago

    Argentina president launches bizarre rant after World Cup ban petition gets 23 million signatures

    Javier Gerardo Milei has spoken out, claiming other nations are "jealous" of Argentina.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    an hour ago

    Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente tears into behaviour of Argentina players

    FIFA have opened an investigation into the events that followed the World Cup final.

    Football
  • Getty
    2 hours ago

    Jermain Defoe leaves as manager of his first club after 116 days of 'eye-opening experience'

    Defoe had been in charge of National League side Woking.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    2 hours ago

    Leandro Paredes makes statement on Argentina future after ugly World Cup final scenes

    Leandro Paredes has commented on his long-term Argentina future after the World Cup.

    Football
  • Diogo Jota's widow reveals heartbreaking final text message she sent him before fatal crash
  • Chelsea donate FIFA Club World Cup bonus winnings to Diogo Jota's family
  • Diogo Jota's heartbreaking message in never-before-seen Liverpool interview filmed shortly before death
  • Man Utd fans planning tribute to Diogo Jota during Liverpool game