Diogo Jota is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines after Arne Slot provided an injury update on the Liverpool star.
Arne Slot Confirms Diogo Jota Is Out For ‘Several Weeks’ In Latest Injury Update
The 28-year-old missed Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
His absence raised concerns, given Jota only recently returned from a rib injury last month. However, Jota has now picked up a muscle injury which will see him miss another several weeks of football.
Liverpool boss Slot confirmed the injury update in his Monday press conference, saying he expects Jota to return sooner than injury-hit Joe Gomez.
Arne Slot is hopeful Diogo Jota and Joe Gomez will return to his squad in a matter of "weeks rather than months" with the pair ruled out for the immediate future 💬
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 20, 2025
“Jota maybe a bit earlier than Joe [Gomez], both of them are expected to be back with us in weeks rather than months,” said Slot. “The last stage of rehab is the most difficult one and the one which can add a few days or not.
“We are expecting them to be back with us in the coming weeks but both of them are not going to be out for long, as long as the rehab goes as planned. Jota overloaded a muscle.”
The Portugal international returned from a rib injury last month after spending seven weeks on the sidelines.
Jota made an impact on his return, scoring in his first game back in the 2-2 draw with Fulham. He went on to score another two goals – one in the 5-0 hammering of West Ham and again more recently in the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest.
How Many Games Will Jota Miss?
Jota’s injury will come as a blow to Liverpool, who have a congested fixture schedule coming up.
The Portuguese striker will miss Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Lille. The Reds are also likely to be without him for their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham next month. He is expected to miss the rearranged Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park.
Liverpool will now wait to see if Jota will be fit enough when they face Manchester City next month.
Jota has scored eight goals this season for Slot’s side but has only started 11 games.
