Liverpool have received a significant boost with forward Diogo Jota’s injury recovery on track, with the club optimistic that the 29-year-old will be fit for their Premier League opener against Bournemouth on August 9, 2025, at Anfield.
The Portuguese striker, sidelined since a knee injury sustained during a 2-1 win over Tottenham in April 2025, is making steady progress in his rehabilitation at the AXA Training Centre, as confirmed by manager Arne Slot on July 1, 2025.
Jota’s potential return is a major positive for Liverpool’s title defense amid a transformative summer transfer window.
Jota, who scored 15 goals and provided six assists in 32 appearances last season despite injury setbacks, has been plagued by fitness issues, missing 47 games over the past two years. His 78% shot accuracy and 45 key passes highlight his clinical edge, making his return vital for Slot’s 4-2-3-1 system.
Speaking to reporters, Slot said, “Diogo’s working hard, and we’re hopeful he’ll be ready for Bournemouth. His sharpness is key for us.” Jota’s rehab, overseen by Liverpool’s new medical chief Dr. Jonathan Power, involves tailored strength training and partial squad integration, with a target return for the final pre-season friendly against Sevilla on August 3.
The update comes as Liverpool navigate a busy transfer period, having spent £287 million on Florian Wirtz, Marc Guéhi, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Freddie Woodman, offset by Jarell Quansah’s £35 million sale and Nathaniel Phillips’ £3 million move to West Brom.
With Darwin Nunez linked to Napoli, Harvey Elliott open to a departure, and Ibrahima Konaté’s contract talks stalled, Jota’s availability could stabilize Liverpool’s attack alongside Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz.
Fans on social media are buzzing, with @LFC4Ever posting, “Jota fit for the opener? Our attack’s gonna be lethal!” Others, like @RedsTactics, caution, “Need to manage his minutes—can’t afford another injury.”
Jota’s return is crucial given Andy Robertson’s ACL injury, which rules him out until at least January 2026. With Kerkez stepping in at left-back and Wirtz set to dominate the No. 10 role, Jota’s versatility across the front three adds depth.
Liverpool’s pre-season, including matches against Real Betis and Manchester United in the U.S., will test Jota’s fitness. If he meets the Bournemouth target, his presence could set the tone for Liverpool’s bid to retain the Premier League crown.
