New Delhi: Diogo Jota’s return to action for Liverpool has been pushed back until after the international break due to a rib injury, manager Arne Slot has confirmed. The Portuguese forward suffered the injury in Liverpool’s narrow 2-1 victory over Chelsea on October 20, following a tough clash with defender Tosin Adarabioyo. The knock has since kept Jota out of Liverpool’s last two matches, with no immediate sign of a return to training.
For Liverpool, it means they’ll miss the 27-year-old’s spark across at least four more games. He’s set to sit out the midweek Carabao Cup fixture against Brighton and Saturday’s Premier League match against the Seagulls at Anfield.
Additionally, the Reds will face Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League and Aston Villa in the league without Jota, extending his absence until after the international break, which runs from November 11-19.
Big blow that Diogo Jota won’t be back until after the November international break – going to miss big PL games v Brighton and Villa, as well as CL clash with Bayer Leverkusen
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) October 29, 2024
Slot has also confirmed that goalkeeper Alisson and midfielder Harvey Elliott remain unavailable. Alisson is out due to a hamstring problem, while Elliott is recovering from a fractured foot. Federico Chiesa, who joined from Juventus this summer, has also struggled with his fitness and is unlikely to feature in the coming games.
However, there is a potential boost, as young right-back Conor Bradley has resumed training and could be in the squad for the Carabao Cup match against Brighton.
When asked if Jota or Elliott might return before the break, Slot was clear, stating, “No, it will be after that. Elliott the same.” Fans will be eager to see Jota and the others back in action but will have to wait until late November, with Liverpool set to face Southampton after the international break.
