Diogo Jota of Liverpool will remain sidelined until after the upcoming international break. Picture: Graham Hunt, ProSportsImages, DPPI via AFP
In a significant setback for Liverpool, manager Arne Slot confirmed on Tuesday that forward Diogo Jota will remain sidelined until after the upcoming international break.
Jota has been an essential asset for the team, contributing four goals in 10 appearances this season. His absence will be felt keenly as the team prepares for their fourth-round League Cup match against Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday night, amidst a demanding schedule that includes seven fixtures in just three weeks.
Moreover, Slot confirmed that Jota’s recovery from a chest injury, incurred during the club’s victory over Chelsea last week, will take longer than initially hoped. The manager's pessimistic outlook on Jota’s return casts a shadow over an already stretched squad.
When asked whether he would return before the November international break, Slot said 'no'," underscoring the concern for the team's depth.
Adding to Liverpool's woes, Federico Chiesa’s fitness troubles may indicate a lengthy absence. The Italian winger, a vital summer signing from Juventus, has struggled to find his footing, featuring in just three matches since his arrival.
"It's always difficult to say because he goes a bit up and down," Slot remarked, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Chiesa’s condition. "Sometimes he's there with us and trains a few days and then goes out for an injury again."
The manager opted against specifying a timeline for Chiesa’s return, emphasising the importance of ensuring he is fully fit before returning to action.
On a slightly optimistic note, defender Conor Bradley could make an appearance in the match against Brighton after a successful return to full training. This development comes as a relief for a squad that is already missing key players such as goalkeeper Alisson, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Harvey Elliott, nursing a foot issue, both of whom will also miss the international break.
Currently sitting one point behind Manchester City in the Premier League standings, Liverpool’s resilience will be tested against a strong Brighton side, who are placed sixth in the league table and recently progressed in the League Cup by defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2. Slot acknowledged the challenges posed by Brighton and the limitations his depleted squad might face.
"I don't think it's possible to do the same as we did against West Ham for the simple reason that we've got some injuries," he said, evident of Liverpool's urgent need to manage player fatigue effectively amid this congested schedule.
As Liverpool heads into this difficult match, the club must navigate both the physical and moral pressures of an injury-hit squad, aiming to secure a morale-boosting victory that could reinvigorate their campaign.
Reuters