Arne Slot has revealed when he expects Diogo Jota to return to action for Liverpool, prior to the Reds’ big Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
The Portuguese has been absent since picking up a rib injury at home to Chelsea last month, in what is his latest frustrating fitness layoff.
On Saturday night, Liverpool return to league action after their 4-0 win at home to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, hosting Unai Emery’s Villa outfit.
The Reds could arguably be playing the Midlands side at a good time, following a slight dip in form of late, but Jota will play no part in proceedings.
Despite this, the 27-year-old’s return from injury may not be too far away, with Slot telling reporters that the forward should be back soon after the international break:
“We expect him back after the international break – now, ‘after the international break’ is six or seven months to go! But no, the first weeks after the international break we expect him back.
“I always say, in Holland there is privacy about [injuries], and I don’t know how it is over here but like I just said, he will be back one or two weeks after the international break.”
Our thoughts on Jota’s return date for Liverpool…
In truth, Liverpool have actually fared well without Jota in recent weeks, with the rest of their attackers finding some impressive form.
Luis Diaz has gone up a gear this season, highlighted by his brilliant hat-trick against Leverkusen in midweek, while Mohamed Sala looks as good as ever, scoring and assisting at will.
Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez are also doing their bit, ensuring the Reds sit top of both the Premier League and Champions League tables.
That said, getting Jota back into the fold will still be a huge boost for Liverpool, considering the Portugal international’s ruthless finishing and impressive team ethic.
He is arguably the attacker that fans would most want a big chance to fall to, even including Salah, so his influence is going to be crucial between now and the end of the season, as Slot’s men look to seal Premier League glory.
