Diogo Jota is winning his race to be involved in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup squad – but still has hurdles to clear before getting the green light for Wembley.
Jota, whose goals in the semi-final at Arsenal helped set up Sunday’s date with Chelsea, damaged ankle ligaments during the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie against Inter Milan last Tuesday and needed to wear a protective boot for most of last week.
Liverpool’s initial fears that he had suffered a significant injury were allayed after a scan in Italy and Jota has responded well to treatment in recent days, so much so that he was able to take part in an outdoor session on the grass on Wednesday.