Diogo Jota was absent from Liverpool’s training session on Tuesday as the team prepares for their upcoming Champions League match against Bologna. The striker underwent a scan for a foot injury, but the results were encouraging, showing no lasting damage.
Jota has become a key player for Liverpool head coach Arne Slot this season, securing his place as the starting striker ahead of Darwin Nunez. Slot has been clear about his strategy to carefully manage the No. 20’s playing time, but Jota still played the full 90 minutes in Saturday’s 2-1 win over his former club, Wolves.
During that match, Jota delivered an impressive performance, particularly with his work off the ball, helping Liverpool protect their narrow lead late in the game. However, he sustained a foot injury towards the end of the contest.
Sky Sports’ reporter Vinny O’Connor provided an update from the AXA Training Centre, confirming that Jota underwent a scan, which fortunately showed no serious issues. Nevertheless, the coaching staff opted to keep him out of Tuesday’s training as a precaution.
Jota may still be in contention for selection against Bologna, though it is more likely that Darwin Nunez, who has recently recovered from illness, will lead the line in his place.
O’Connor also noted the absence of Federico Chiesa from the session, though no official reason was provided at the time. Slot is expected to address this in his pre-match press conference.
Aside from Jota and Chiesa, Harvey Elliott remains sidelined with a fractured foot, leaving Liverpool with a strong squad otherwise. Cody Gakpo could be another option to either replace Jota up front or fill in for Luis Diaz on the left wing.
Liverpool players involved in training ahead of the Bologna match include goalkeepers Alisson, Kelleher, Jaros, and Davies, alongside defenders Van Dijk, Konate, Quansah, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Bradley, and Tsimikas. Midfielders Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Jones, Endo, and Morton were also in attendance, as well as forwards Salah, Diaz, Gakpo, and Nunez.
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