Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has provided an update on Diogo Jota’s recovery, revealing that the Portugal international is expected to be fit and available for selection within “one or two weeks” after the international break.
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Jota, 27, has missed Liverpool’s last five matches in all competitions after suffering a rib injury during a 2-1 win against Chelsea.
In that game, Jota was forced off after taking a boot to the rib from Tosin Adarabioyo, with Darwin Nunez coming on as his replacement. As a result, Jota will not be available for Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League match against Aston Villa this weekend.
However, it seems that Jota has made significant progress in his recovery, and Slot is hopeful he could be back before the end of the month. “We expect him back after the break, in the first weeks after the break,” Slot said in a press conference.
He also emphasized the privacy of Jota’s injury but expressed confidence in his return within the stated timeframe.
Looking ahead to Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures, Slot focused on the clash with Villa. He discussed his strategic approach, noting that Villa manager Unai Emery’s tactics are often similar, with a strong preference for the 4-4-2 formation.
He also highlighted how game plans can shift depending on personnel, noting that Emery could make changes to the line-up, but his tactical approach remains relatively consistent.
Slot also addressed Liverpool’s full-back situation, mentioning that Kostas Tsimikas had been selected over Andy Robertson in recent matches. He explained that both players are highly capable and that changes in the full-back position were made based on the need for energy and rotation. “I have two very good left full-backs. Let’s see who starts on Saturday,” Slot remarked.