Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has stated that Diogo Jota is an important player for the Premier League leaders after the Portuguese forward returned from injury, as the squad prepares to lose Egypt star Mohamed Salah to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Jota, 27, missed eight games after suffering a muscle injury in November during a 1-1 draw with Manchester City. On Tuesday, he made a comeback, scoring in the 90th minute to propel Liverpool to the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Burnley.

With midfielders Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, and Alexis MacAllister out injured, as well as winger Ben Doak and defenders Andrew Robertson, Joel Matip, and Kostas Tsimikas, Jota’s return was a welcome sight for Klopp.

Liverpool will also miss Salah, the league’s second-highest striker this season behind City’s Erling Haaland, when he goes for AFCON, which will be held in the Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11.

When asked about Jota’s finishing ability, Klopp told reporters, “I love Jota, but he has missed chances in the past as well.” It’s the nature of the thing that we always ask for, the actors who aren’t participating and then suddenly believe they can alter the world.

“Diogo is a hugely important player for us.” The presence of him altered the entire dynamic.

“Today’s goal was scored by a boy full of conviction.” Good technique, certainly, but full of conviction since he had no time to doubt himself in the last three weeks because he was in rehab.”

Liverpool will visit Newcastle United in the Premier League on January 1, followed by a trip to Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on January 7.