Liverpool manager Arne Slot has shared updates on the injury of Diogo Jota and Joe Gomez ahead of the Champions League clash against Lille.
The Reds, flying high in Europe with a 100% record, will be without the duo for Tuesday’s encounter at Anfield. Diogo Jota has made a significant impact this season with eight goals in 19 appearances. He has picked up a minor muscle overload during his 30-minute cameo against Nottingham Forest last week.
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Despite scoring within 22 seconds of coming on, the Portuguese forward reported discomfort after the match. And he subsequently missed Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brentford. Speaking in his pre-Lille press conference, Slot provided clarity on Jota’s condition, saying,
“He overloaded a certain muscle a bit. Maybe Jota a bit earlier than Joe, and both of them are expected to be back in weeks and not months.”
Arne Slot Provides Injury Update on Diogo Jota and Joe Gomez
Slot acknowledged the unpredictability of the recovery process, explaining,
“I’ve said many times before that the last stage of rehab is the most difficult one or the one that can add a few days or not. It’s clear that we are expecting them to be with us in the upcoming weeks – but it’s always difficult to say exactly how long they will be.”
Joe Gomez has been sidelined since December due to a hamstring injury sustained against West Ham United. He is also making progress in his recovery. However, Slot emphasized patience, reiterating that both players’ returns depend on how their rehab unfolds. Slot reassured,
“But both of them are not going to be out for months, that’s for sure, as long as the rehab goes as planned, of course.”
While Liverpool’s squad depth proved sufficient in their recent victory over Brentford. But the absence of key players like Jota and Gomez remains a concern. Their frequent injury setbacks have become a recurring frustration for the Reds. As both the players are pivotal to Slot’s tactical plans.
Tuesday’s match against Lille presents an opportunity for Liverpool to secure their place in the next round with just a point, while also maintaining their flawless Champions League record.
However, with Jota and Gomez out of action, the team will need to rely on their resilience to extend their European dominance. For Liverpool fans, the hope remains that both players will return to the pitch sooner rather than later.
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