Diogo Jota is hopeful that his Liverpool injury woes are finally behind him.
Jota made a first start since May as Jurgen Klopp’s side kickstarted their new Champions League campaign with a late win over Ajax on Tuesday night.
The Portugal international missed the start of the Reds’ campaign with a hamstring injury picked up during this summer’s Nations League fixtures.
He suffered a relapse during a first session of pre-season training before making consecutive substitute appearances against Everton and Napoli.
But Jota, who recently signed a new long-term contract, has targeted a return to an impactful role after setting up Mohamed Salah for Liverpool’s opener.
He said: “I couldn’t quite get things right in pre-season but that’s in the past now. I’m back and ready.
“There’s always room for improvement and obviously I want to establish here at Liverpool as an important player. I can only do that if I’m fit.
“These things happen in a football player’s life and I just need to carry on.”
Jota also believes Liverpool’s projected return to form will help summer signing Darwin Nunez start to excel following a difficult start to life his Anfield.
The Uruguayan arrived after Sadio Mane’s move to Bayern Munich but was sent off on his full debut and has been limited a string of cameo appearances.
“It takes time,” admitted Jota.
“He didn’t play too many games yet. Obviously he got sent off [against Crystal Palace] and missed a lot of games.
“When you had Sadio, who had been playing in this team for a long period and was pretty much used to everything, it was quite a big change.
“But I think if we play like this, it’s easier for him and for everyone.”