Liverpool were reportedly in 'advanced talks' to sign Otavio in the summer
Porto star Otavio was denied the opportunity to show Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp what he can do at close quarters after going off injured in the Champions League clash between the sides.
The 26-year-old has been linked with a switch to Anfield with some reports even suggesting Liverpool were in 'advanced talks' with Porto over the winger in the summer.
A move never materialised but Otavio was given the chance to impress Klopp as Porto hosted Liverpool at the Estadio do Dragao on Tuesday.
Sadly for him, his evening lasted just 14 minutes, as an injury saw him replaced by Fabio Vieira before the game had really got going.
Sadly for him, his evening lasted just 14 minutes, as an injury saw him replaced by Fabio Vieira before the game had really got going.
Otavio was then seen slumped on the bench in tears as team-mates consoled him.
At one stage he was sat with his head in his hands, despairing that his body had let him down.
The night soon turned from bad to worse for Porto, as Mohamed Salah fired Liverpool into the lead just four minutes later, with Otavio a helpless bystander on the sidelines.
Salah tapped home from close range after Curtis Jones' shot fell kindly into his path following Diogo Costa's save.
Liverpool then doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time as Sadio Mane converted a simple finish after a good cross from James Milner.
The game was put to bed by Salah's second goal plus a double from Firmino after Mehdi Taremi struck home to put the Portuguese club in a two-goals deficit.
It ended up a comfortable night for Jurgen Klopp's side.
Despite his disappointment, Otavio will likely get the chance to prove his worth in the return fixture when Porto travel to Anfield on November 24.
Rumours began circulating when both clubs were negotiating a deal for Marko Grujic, who completed his permanent transfer during the summer.
Portuguese publication A Bola claimed Liverpool were interested in activating Otavio's £34million release clause following the departure of Georginio Wijnaldum.
However, this was news to the player himself, as he admitted this week he was unsure if Liverpool's interest was concrete.
“I don’t know if it’s true that Liverpool were after me,” Otavio told O Jogo, before adding: “But if I had any team after me it was because of my work, both in the league, in the Champions League, as in any game.
"When we wear the shirt, regardless of any game, we always have to give our best."
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