Vitinha was brought on for Jota in the 79th minute with the score locked at 0-0 at that point. However, Portugal eventually lost the game, courtesy of an 87th-minute goal from Alvaro Morata.
The loss meant that the 2016 European champions couldn’t secure a spot in the final four of the UEFA Nations League. Portugal coach Santos told reporters that he wasn’t planning on making the substitution but Jota asked for him to be brought off (via PortuGOAL).
Jota has had an injury-plagued start to his campaign and missed the pre-season with Jurgen Klopp’s side. The 25-year-old forward has played only three games for the Reds so far this season.
He is managing his fitness with a busy schedule coming up during the month of October ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup starting in November.
Here’s what Jota said regarding his request to Santos (O Jogo):
Jota has strong competition to secure a spot for himself in Liverpool’s starting XI. The likes of Darwin Nunez and Roberto Firmino are also vying for a spot in the team.
Gareth Southgate explained reason behind dropping Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold was called up for England’s UEFA Nations League clashes against Germany and Italy. However, the Liverpool star didn’t feature in either match.
To add to that, he was dropped from the matchday squad set to face Germany. England manager Gareth Southgate made an interesting assessment of the situation. He opined that Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier’s all-round game is better than Alexander-Arnold’s at the moment.
Here’s what Southgate said:
Alexander-Arnold has endured a poor start to the campaign and has faced questions about his poor defensive performances in nine matches so far.
Liverpool are currently eighth in the Premier League table and will next host Brighton & Hove Albion on October 1.
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