Jurgen Klopp remains hopeful of Diogo Jota returning in time for Liverpool's Champions League clash with Real Madrid next month.
And the Reds manager does not believe Jota's lack of minutes on the field this season will impact performances upon his comeback, despite injuries limiting the forward to just four Premier League appearances to date.
The Portugal international hasn't played since suffering a serious calf injury in the closing stages of Liverpool's 1-0 win over Manchester City on October 16 but is back on light duties ahead of being reintegrated into team training at the AXA Centre.
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Jota was part of the contingent that flew out to Dubai last month for a warm-weather training camp but took no part in the mid-season friendlies with AC Milan or Lyon at the Al-Maktoum Stadium.
Instead, the former Wolves man was continuing his rehabilitation and recovery out in the Middle East and working towards a February return to the Liverpool team, having been unable to play a part for Portugal in the Qatar World Cup.
Liverpool host Real Madrid in the first leg of their last-16 tie in the European Cup on February 21 and asked if he was concerned Jota would not reach his best form until next season due to the injuries suffered and lack of football, Klopp said: "No, because it is Diogo.
"He is extremely smart football-wise, he will be back here again [in his mind] because it is like he is playing the games without playing the games.
"I don't know exactly how long he will be out for, but he looks really good. He is out there on the pitch and doing a lot of stuff already but he will be out for another few weeks.
"Is he in contention for the Champions League? From my point of view, yes. But I don't know. Yes."
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