Diogo Jota could make surprise return for Liverpool against Crystal Palace
By Max Cooper
Diogo Jota could make a shock return to the Liverpool side for their clash with Crystal Palace on Sunday, having initially been ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.
The 24-year-old injured his foot in the all-important 4-2 victory over Manchester United on May 13, and the original diagnosis dictated that he would not be able to play for the Reds again this season.
That ruling could have been a touch premature, however, and the forward could even be in line to feature against Palace on the final day of the season, according to the Athletic.
Jurgen Klopp admitted prior to the big match, as cited on the club's website, that the forward has made a quick return from his setback and they would assess his progress in training ahead of the trip to London.
"I don't know yet," Klopp admitted. "It all looked good and he will probably train today. That was the plan yesterday.
"And when he can train, we have a look how he trains and then we make a decision if he will be involved."
Jota's return to the side would be a huge boost for Liverpool and Klopp as they head into the final game of the season needing a win to secure Champions League football for next season. The Reds have been in good form of late, and have timed their run perfectly in attempting to sneak back into the top four.
The Portuguese star's recovery will only improve their chances of beating the Eagles as the team has often looked much more potent with him in attack. Jota has scored nine goals in 18 appearances for Liverpool this season, but his contribution has been severely hampered by injury issues.
The ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers star missed 15 games in the middle of the campaign with a knee injury and his absence was felt as Liverpool fell way off the title pace. He can return on Sunday, however, and fire them to a top-four finish with a victory over Palace.