Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided an injury update to Diogo Jota and Joe Gomez, revealing both players are expected to be out for “weeks rather than months”.
As the team prepares for the Champions League match against French rivals Lille at Anfield on Tuesday, Slot mentioned: “Maybe Jota will come back a little earlier than Joe, but both should come back in a few weeks rather than several months However, I have always indicated that the last stage of rehabilitation is often the most difficult and can sometimes delay the schedule.
“We are optimistic that they will return in the coming weeks, but it is difficult to give a precise time frame. Rest assured that neither player will be out for months, provided the rehabilitation goes as planned.”
Jota has already suffered a five-week layoff due to a muscle injury that occurred between late October and early December.
Read more:
Antony Named Worst Transfer of Glazer Era at Manchester United by Goal
Liverpool’s path to the Champions League last 16 will be assured if they avoid a home defeat. As the only club to maintain a perfect run in the first six matches of the revamped phase of the league, the Slot team is delighted with their outstanding performance.
In addition to their strong performance in the Champions League, Liverpool hold a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table and have reached the semi-finals of the EFL Cup, while also qualifying for the fourth round of the FA Cup .
-
Read more:
Grimaldo hopes for a return to LaLiga
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has praised Liverpool as the best team in the world after Darwin Nunez’s late exploits secured just their second win in the last five games of 2025. In response, Slot has said: “I think it is premature to call any team the best at this stage. The Champions League format is distinct, and evaluating teams solely based on league rankings is complex. Nonetheless, it is always nice to receive praise.”
Currently, Liverpool are three points ahead at the top of the 36-team Champions League table. The club are ready to secure the top spot if they can secure four points from their upcoming matches against Lille and PSV.
This achievement would see them favorites for the round of 16 in March, facing one of the teams who progress in the two-legged play-offs in February. However, Slot expressed reservations about the new format which could diminish the benefits of finishing first. “With this unusual structure, I don’t look at league standings in a simplistic way – being number one doesn’t guarantee an easier opponent,” he said. “Paris St-Germain’s position reflects that they have met some of the strongest teams in their matches, and finishing top of the table could still lead us to face some formidable opponents.”
Read more:
Curtis Jones: Eden Hazard was a better footballer than Mohamed Salah
