'He wasn't in training': Arne Slot admits 'important' Liverpool player may miss tomorrow's match with Brentford

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Liverpool return to Premier League action tomorrow as they take on Brentford away from home.

The Reds have won just three of their last seven Premier League games and will look to return to winning ways after their 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal have reduced to gap at the top of the table to just four points and with teams breathing down their necks, Arne Slot will aim to get three points as they face a Brentford side who have been so good in front of their home fans.

Diogo Jota wasn’t spotted in Liverpool training yesterday, raising concerns over his fitness.

And now, the Liverpool boss and shared why the Portuguese international wasn’t involved and whether he will be fit to play against the Bees tomorrow.

Arne Slot says Diogo Jota is a doubt for Liverpool vs Brentford

Jota has struggled with injuries this season and was out for nearly two months after sustaining a rib injury in the win against Chelsea earlier this season.

In recent weeks, he has returned to action and has been among the goals, scoring a crucial equaliser moments after coming on against Nottingham Forest.

However, he missed training yesterday, and Slot has confirmed that he’s carrying a little niggle, adding that his involvement in the game depends on whether he trains today.

“There’s no doubt he’s an important player for us but he wasn’t in training yesterday,” said Slot in his pre-match press conference.

“That means we have to see today where he is. It’s not sure he will be available for tomorrow, we have to wait and see today.

“He felt a little niggle during the half hour he came in [against Forest]. He could finish the game but after he complained a bit about it, that’s why he didn’t train yesterday.”

How long with Jota be out?

While Jota is an injury doubt for tomorrow, Slot allayed fears that he’s out for the long haul.

He added: “We don’t expect Jota to be out for a long period of time. It might be a struggle to have him on the pitch tomorrow, but we’re hoping to have him on the bench in the near future.”

The Liverpool boss also provided an update on Luis Diaz, who like Jota, wasn’t spotted in training yesterday.

“He wasn’t out yesterday because he had a bit of a sore throat, but we’re expecting him to train with us today”

In Jota’s absence, Darwin Nunez led the line for Liverpool but the Uruguayan has flattered to deceive in front of goal.

Diaz has also played as a centre-forward and had some success in that position – scoring important goals against the likes of Bayer Leverkusen and Tottenham – but the Colombian wasn’t at his best against Forest.

Jota made an impact within seconds of coming onto the pitch and is Liverpool’s most natural goalscorer after Mohamed Salah, so the Reds need the Portuguese international back to full fitness as they aim to compete on all fronts.