Liverpool are facing a setback as Diogo Jota is expected to miss their upcoming Premier League clash against Brentford.
The Portuguese forward, who came off the bench to secure a crucial equalizer against Nottingham Forest midweek, reported discomfort following his 30-minute appearance.
Jota’s absence stems from a minor niggle he experienced after the Forest game, forcing him to train separately from the squad on Thursday. Liverpool manager Arne Slot remains cautious about the player’s availability.
“There’s no doubt Jota is an important player for us,” said Slot. “He didn’t train yesterday, so we’ll see where he stands today. It’s uncertain if he’ll be available for tomorrow. He felt some discomfort but managed to finish the game. We’ll monitor his condition closely.”
Jota has struggled with fitness this season, starting just two matches since October due to an extended layoff caused by a chest injury. Over the past two and a half seasons, he has missed a total of 66 games, highlighting his ongoing injury struggles
Despite this, Slot insists that Jota is not receiving special treatment, emphasizing that all players follow tailored training regimens to address their individual needs.
“Every player has a customized programme. While most training routines are similar, each player has specific exercises to improve performance and reduce injury risks,” Slot explained. “Jota’s routine is no different, and we ensure all players receive individual care.”
On a brighter note, fellow forward Luis Díaz is expected to return to action after recovering from an illness that kept him out of training. Díaz’s availability provides a boost to Liverpool’s attacking options as they prepare to face a resilient Brentford side
Liverpool will look to bounce back from recent challenges as they navigate this crucial phase of the Premier League season without one of their key players.