Arne Slot will be without several key players against Southampton (Image: Getty)
Liverpool’s Diogo Jota has become a fresh injury concern for the Reds, with manager Arne Slot revealing that the striker is doubtful for the upcoming Carabao Cup quarter-final against Southampton. The Portuguese international made a scoring comeback from a two-month absence in the match against Fulham on Saturday.
However, Slot confirmed Jota did not train on Monday due to an impact injury sustained in October during a clash with Chelsea, making him unlikely to be in the starting line-up at St. Mary’s.
“Diogo would have been definitely one that was ideal for him to play,” Slot said in his press conference. “But after the game, he wasn’t completely fit.
“He didn’t train with us yesterday so let’s see if he can train with us today. Don’t expect him to start. Hopefully he can make some minutes but I don’t expect him to start tomorrow.”
On a brighter note for the Reds, Slot shared positive updates regarding Kostas Tsimikas, indicating that the Greek defender is set to rejoin team training.
While Tsimikas’ availability for the Southampton game remains uncertain, his return comes as good news amidst a packed festive fixture list and Andy Robertson’s suspension following a red card and knee injury incurred in the 2-2 draw with Fulham.
Don’t miss… Jurgen Klopp has shown Arne Slot solution to his biggest Liverpool problem yet
Diogo Jota scored against Fulham on Saturday on his Liverpool return (Image: Getty Images)
Slot could be left with just four senior defenders available for the upcoming clash against Southampton if Tsimikas is unable to play, as Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley are still out with injuries. The Reds’ manager provided an update, saying: “Kostas is coming close.
“He’s going to train with us today, maybe, for the first time so let’s see how that works. Ibou and Conor are still not training with us.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1989746/Liverpool-news-injury-Southampton-Diogo-Jota