Arne Slot issues Diogo Jota injury update for Liverpool ahead of RB Leipzig clash
Arne Slot is not expecting Diogo Jota to be available for Liverpool against RB Leipzig after the forward sustained an injury in the 2-1 win against Chelsea on Sunday (20 October).
The 27-year-old was replaced by Darwin Nunez 30 minutes into the win at Anfield, as Curtis Jones cancelled out Nicolas Jackson’s equaliser after Mohamed Salah gave the hosts the lead from the penalty spot.
Slot revealed post-match, as relayed by the club’s official website [20 October], that Liverpool are yet to learn the extent of Jota’s injury but he is not expecting the forward to feature in the Champions League in midweek.
“Diogo had to be substituted and I am not sure what it is, but I’d be surprised if he is there on Wednesday.”
Diogo Jota could face a lengthy injury layoff for Liverpool
Jota has been plagued with injury concerns throughout his Liverpool career, but this latest setback feels even more significant as this year has seen the forward emerge as the number one option to lead the line under Slot.
His performances have been hit-and-miss, to say the least. He has massively underwhelmed in front of goal and has been lucky deputy Nunez has failed to put up much of a fight for a starting berth.
The goal against Crystal Palace in the 1-0 win at Selhurst Park before the international break was his first goal since the 2-0 win against Ipswich Town on the opening day in the Premier League.
Jota has missed an eye-watering 357 days through injury throughout his four years on Merseyside, including 101 days last season alone with three different issues [Transfermarkt].
As good as Liverpool fans know he can be, Jota cannot be trusted to remain fit throughout any given season, and his latest setback allows Nunez to lay a claim to become the undisputed number 9 with a tough run of fixtures ahead.
The Uruguayan will likely lead the line for the Reds at the Red Bull Arena on Wednesday (23 October) and will have no better opportunity to challenge the status quo at Anfield.
In other Liverpool news, Curtis Jones is now undroppable for Arne Slot after his display for the Reds against Chelsea.
For more Liverpool women news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.