Arne Slot Reveals Diogo Jota’s Expected Return Timeline

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided an update on Diogo Jota’s injury, confirming that the Portuguese forward is expected to return within weeks rather than months. Jota, who recently scored a crucial equalizer in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest, has been sidelined again with a muscle injury.

Key Highlights:

• Recent Injury Setback: Diogo Jota was absent from Liverpool’s thrilling 2-0 victory over Brentford, where Darwin Nunez scored twice in stoppage time. The forward will also miss the Champions League clash against Lille on Tuesday.
• Manager’s Update: Slot reassured fans, saying, “Both Jota and Joe Gomez are expected to be back in weeks, not months, provided their rehabilitation progresses as planned.” He acknowledged that the final stages of recovery can be unpredictable but emphasized optimism about their return.
• Recurring Muscle Injuries: This latest setback is part of an ongoing pattern for Jota. Since joining Liverpool in September 2020 for £45m, he has faced ten separate injury spells, with muscle issues being a recurring theme.
• Impact This Season: Despite his injuries, Jota remains an influential player for Liverpool. He has scored five Premier League goals this season, including his crucial effort against Nottingham Forest.
• Substitution Role Before Injury: After recovering from a similar issue that kept him out between October and December, Jota eased back into the team as a substitute. His most recent start was in the FA Cup third-round win against Accrington Stanley.

Looking Ahead
Liverpool are expected to rely on Darwin Nunez as the starting striker for their Champions League match against Lille. The team has all but secured their place in the knockout stages of the competition, giving Slot some flexibility in squad management.