Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain announces that Diogo Jota is looking to call up Liverpool ahead of Newcastle clash

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Kevin Phillips believes Jurgen Klopp will return Diogo Jota to Liverpool’s starting line-up against Newcastle at the expense of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Jota came off the bench in the second half of Saturday’s 1-0 win at Aston Villa after missing last week’s Champions League win over AC Milan.

The Portuguese striker replaced Oxlade-Chamberlain who had started in the center of the attack against Villa.

Roberto Firmino is also back in training after a hamstring injury, a welcome boost for Jurgen Klopp with five games remaining until the end of December.

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However, after the Reds struggled for a tough win over Villa, Phillips backs Jota to reclaim his place in the starting line-up against the Magpies.

“I expect Jota to come back for Oxlade-Chamberlain. Tell football from within.

“At this point in the season, it is about trying to make the best use of the team as you can. Liverpool should be more careful than that with the Africa Cup of Nations approaching.

“Oxlade-Chamberlain is a good player but he has not reached the heights expected at Liverpool.

“But he has an undeniable quality though. He can cause problems for defenders in this wrong position 9, by drifting into the pockets, he creates space for Salah and Mane.

“I think it was a smart move from Klopp, as I played with him there. Guardiola does that all the time with his midfielders.”

Jota has scored nine goals and assisted two goals in 19 games this season, and his form will be crucial for the Reds with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah leaving for the African Nations Cup next month.

Liverpool will be confident of eight consecutive wins in all competitions when they welcome Newcastle at Anfield on Thursday.

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