Liverpool manager Arne Slot has indicated that Diogo Jota is unlikely to play in the upcoming Champions League match against RB Leipzig. The Portuguese forward picked up an injury during Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Chelsea, where Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones scored the goals. Jota had to be substituted in the first half, with Darwin Nunez taking his place.
In an update on Jota’s condition, Slot stated that he would be surprised if Jota is fit for Wednesday’s game, as reported by GOAL. Losing Jota would be a significant setback for Liverpool, given his strong performance this season with four goals, trailing only Salah and Luis Diaz.
Liverpool has had an impressive start to the season under Slot, earning 21 points out of a possible 24 in the Premier League and sitting atop the table. Slot has quickly adapted to his role following Jurgen Klopp’s exit, transforming the team into title contenders. His efforts have drawn praise from analysts, including Gary Neville, who highlighted players like Curtis Jones for their contributions.
Jota’s injury arrives during a challenging stretch for Liverpool, who will face tough matches, including a trip to Arsenal after the Leipzig clash and a Carabao Cup match against Brighton on October 30. This demanding schedule will test the squad’s depth, making Jota’s role even more vital.
With Jota likely to miss at least the Leipzig match, Nunez is expected to lead the attack. Nunez has had ample playing time this season and will be relied upon to maintain the team’s offensive capabilities in Jota’s absence. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for Slot’s Liverpool as they cope without one of their key players.
Slot’s early time at Liverpool has been marked by an impressive start in the Premier League, and the team’s ability to handle challenging matches will be essential for their title ambitions. As Liverpool prepares for the upcoming weeks, managing Jota’s recovery will be critical to staying competitive across all competitions.
