Liverpool striker Diogo Jota is facing a race to be fit for the Carabao Cup final after suffering an ankle injury in the Champions League, handing Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel a significant boost.
Jurgen Klopp's men beat Inter Milan 2-0 in the San Siro on Wednesday night but it was tarnished by the Portuguese star being withdrawn with a knock.
He is now a doubt for the Reds' Carabao Cup final clash with Chelsea, handing a boost to Tuchel's bid to land a fourth trophy during his time as manager at Stamford Bridge.
Klopp provided an update on Jota's fitness on the night, confirming that his ankle had swollen quickly at half-time.
"I'm really happy with everything apart from obviously Diogo had to go off with something around the ankle ligament," the Liverpool boss explained to BT Sport after full time.
"We will see. We don't know exactly. He could play on, which is maybe a good sign. Half-time the ankle was swollen already, so we had to change."
Later, in his post-match press conference, Klopp added further detail.
"Diogo had to go off with something around the ankle ligament. We shall see. He wanted to carry on. It was an adult performance," he said.
"[It was a] twisted ankle, swollen, obviously not a good sign but we'll check it tomorrow. We need further assessment."
Chelsea and Liverpool are set to face off for the first piece of domestic silverware of the 2021-22 campaign.
Tuchel has already landed the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup since arriving at Stamford Bridge just over a year ago.
Chelsea are facing their own injury worry ahead of the clash, however.
Mason Mount limped out of the Club World Cup final against Palmeiras on Saturday with his own ankle injury, but is reportedly eager to make it back ahead of the Wembley showdown.
