Forward Diogo Jota joins Liverpool’s long list of injured players

Liverpool are top of the Premier League table after eight weeks of action. The Reds have looked great under new manager Arne Slot and passed their first test against a ‘big club’ last weekend by beating Chelsea.

Unfortunately, starting striker Diogo Jota was injured in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over the Blues. It’s still too early to say how long the Portuguese forward will be out, but it’s not looking good.

Diogo Jota out

Liverpool took an early 1-0 lead against Chelsea via a Mohamed Salah penalty in the 29th minute. Just a minute after that goal, starting forward Diogo Jota was subbed out for Uruguayan number nine Darwin Núñez.

Jota had been injured after a tackle from Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo. Immediately after the game, Arne Slot said that he expected the forward to be out for at least a few days.

“Diogo had to be substituted and I am not sure what it is, but I'd be surprised if he is there on Wednesday (against RB Leipzig in the Champions League).”

Slot gives injury update

Liverpool manager Arne Slot gave another update on Tuesday, ahead of the Reds’ Champions League fixture against RB Leipzig. The former Feyenoord boss said Jota’s injury status is still unknown.

“Diogo got a knock when he was trying to go to goal, he was brought down but the other player fell on to him, and that hurt him and he couldn't continue to play and come with us. It is difficult to judge at this moment of time to see how long it's going to take.”

Slot also revealed that a number of players did not make the trip to Germany for the Champions League game.

“Conor Bradley, Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa, and Alisson didn't make the trip so we have a few issues at the moment,” Slot said.

Arsenal vs. Liverpool preview

Liverpool head to the Emirates on Sunday (3:30 AM on Monday AEDT) to take on Arsenal. These sides are second and third favourites to win the EPL according to the betting sites, so this match has huge title implications.

Slot did not make it clear whether Bradley, Elliott, Alisson, Chiesa, and Jota will be available against Arsenal. However, it seems very unlikely that they all will be fit in time.

Arsenal will also have a number of players out through injury or suspension. Martin Odegaard is still sidelined with the ankle injury he suffered last month on international duty. Takehiro Tomiyasu will also miss the match due to a long-term injury.

William Saliba is suspended for the Liverpool match after being sent off against Bournemouth last week.

Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka are doubts for the match. Both players have been rehabbing minor injuries. According to Arteta, they are both close to returning. However, the Spaniard has said when exactly he expects them to be ready.

Conclusion

Arsenal’s injuries are arguably more severe than Liverpool’s. However, the soccer betting sites have the Gunners as clear favourites to win this match. Our EPL betting experts disagree and think Liverpool have a good chance of getting at least a point in this match.