How will Jota's absence affect Portugal's chances at the World Cup?

How will Jota’s absence affect Portugal’s chances at the World Cup?

(Football news) Liverpool defeated Manchester City 1-0 at Anfield on Sunday but Diogo Jota was forced off towards the end of the game due to a calf issue. On Tuesday, Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Jota will miss the World Cup due to injury. The news is catastrophic for Portugal more than it is for Liverpool. Jota is an important part of the Portuguese side who are in a very tricky World Cup group with Ghana, South Korea and Uruguay. Jota has been the ideal player to play up front with Cristiano Ronaldo but now there will have to be changes in Fernando Santos' plans. It is not like he doesn't have other options but Jota is by far the best one.

Since his debut in March 2019, Jota has made 29 appearances in all competitions and has scored 10 goals. He totally suits the role up front with Ronaldo as he plays on right wing and also drifts inside which gives his captain more freedom. The obvious choice to play that role now is Rafael Leao who is not a bad replacement to have. One thing which Leao doesn't have is Jota’s heading ability which combined with Ronaldo could have been a menace. Wolves duo Pedro Neto and Goncalo Guedes could also be a shout to take up the right wing role. At the start of the season, Joao Felix would also be in the conversation but right now he is struggling to get game time with Atletico Madrid.

Portugal on paper has a very good squad but they always tend to lose their way at crucial times in big tournaments as they did in the 2018 World Cup and the 2020 Euros. More recently in the UEFA Nations League, Portugal needed a draw against Spain to qualify for the finals but they ended up conceding a goal in the 88th minute and the match ended 1-0. Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Pepe, Ruben Diaz complete the core of the team and an injury to any one of them would be the nail on the coffin. While Jota's absence will affect the team it will not be the difference between winning and losing as Portugal have enough depth in that department.

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