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Liverpool has been dealt a fresh injury setback as manager Arne Slot confirmed that both Diogo Jota and Joe Gomez will be sidelined for several weeks.
Jota was notably missing from the squad during Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday, having picked up a muscle issue following his substitute appearance in the recent draw against Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile, Gomez has been absent from the team since late 2024 due to a hamstring injury.
Slot provided clarity on the situation during a press conference, explaining that while Jota had "overloaded a certain muscle" during his recent appearance off the bench, the Portuguese forward is expected to return to action before Gomez. The Dutch manager was quick to dispel concerns about extended absences, emphasizing that neither player would be out for months.
"Maybe Jota will be back a bit earlier than Joe. Both of them are expected to be back with us in weeks rather than months," Slot stated. He also addressed the challenges of the rehabilitation process, noting that "the last stage of rehab is the most difficult one, or the one that sometimes can add a few days or not." The manager remained optimistic about their recovery timeline, adding, "It's clear that we are expecting them to be back with us in the upcoming weeks. It is always difficult to say exactly how long it is. Both of them are not going to be out for months, that's for sure, as long as the rehab goes as planned."
The timing of these injuries presents a challenge for Liverpool as they prepare for crucial upcoming fixtures. Slot will have to navigate without both players for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Lille, followed by a Premier League encounter with Ipswich. The absence of both Jota and Gomez will test the depth of Liverpool's squad as they continue to compete on multiple fronts.
