Anfield Watch
·22 November 2024
Anfield Watch
·22 November 2024
Diogo Jota’s recent injury has been one of the most significant on a lengthy list that holds serious star power.
A rib injury sustained during the game has kept Jota sidelined since the visit of Chelsea to Anfield on 20th October, meaning Darwin Nuñez has replaced him at the heart of Liverpool’s attack.
And in today’s press conference, head coach Arne Slot explained that Jota is slowly returning to training but shouldn’t be expected back for the visit of Real Madrid to Anfield in midweek.
Jota has been joined on the sidelines by Alisson, Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Federico Chiesa at various point this season, as well as currently by Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Slot also recently defended Jota’s rota to privacy as he is treated for the injury, speaking out against journalists in his press conference pre-Liverpool’s last game against Aston Villa. But social media is not a place for reason, and it hasn’t been listened to.
Jota announced on Twitter yesterday that he would be streaming live on Twitch with his Luna Galaxy Esports team. The response was hostile, to say the least.
“You need to be sold next summer because you are always injured” writes @davidaggrey6, whilst @Fel1xLFC added “Hey buddy idk if you know this but YOURE A PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLER NOT A FIFA PLAYER”.
The reactions are unreasonable, unnecessary and, to be frank, unnerving.
The cycle of feeling it’s appropriate to abuse a person for spending his spare time how he wishes - at a time when there isn’t even a game on - needs to stop.
Jota has been nothing but a professional on the pitch for Liverpool. He’s scored 60 goals in 155 appearances in all competitions and been a welcome ambassador for the club as he does so.
It’s professional sport. Injuries happen.
We are looking forward to welcoming Diogo back, whenever that may be. In the meantime, he gets to spend his days doing what he wants to relax because, at the end of the day, he is a human being too.
People would do well to remember that.
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