Liverpool star missing from training ahead of Champions League clash against Bologna after picking up injury
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota missed the Reds' training session ahead of their UEFA Champions League encounter with Bologna on Wednesday (October 2). The Portuguese attacker came off with a foot injury in his side's 2-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
Sky Sports reporter Vinny O'Connor claims Jota underwent a scan of his foot and got the all clear. He may have sat out training as a precaution, but his availability for the game against Bologna at Anfield is unclear.
Jota has been in fine form this season, registering three goals and two assists in seven games across competitions. He's become an integral member of Arne Slot's team.
Slot may turn to Darwin Nunez, who has turned a corner lately after dropping out of the Liverpool starting lineup. The Uruguayan striker struck a fine effort in a 3-0 win over Bournemouth (September 21).
Nunez sat out the Reds' win against Wolves due to illness, but he was back in training on Tuesday. Slot's men kickstarted their Champions League campaign with a 3-1 win away to AC Milan at the San Siro and face Bologna who are making their debut in the competition.
Arne Slot suggested Liverpool were trying to handle Diogo Jota's workload
Jota has encountered fitness issues during the vast majority of his Liverpool spell. He missed 25 games across competitions last season with various injuries including a ligament tear.
Slot spoke about handling Jota's minutes cautiously recently and alluded to Manchester City's Rodri suffering an ACL injury. The Dutch coach said (via This is Anfield):
"We are trying to manage his minutes, like the others, in the best possible way. But we also try to prepare them in the week, and during the first months of pre-season, to prepare them for so many games in the Premier League. But sometimes there is small margins. Sometimes you can be unlucky as well. If you saw what happened with Rodri, that is so unlucky for him."
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in September 2020 for a reported £41 million. He's made 152 appearances since arriving at Anfield, posting 59 goals and 21 assists, playing in various positions.
Slot has deployed Jota as his leading frontman at the start of the season and he's flourished. He's keeping Nunez out of the team and becoming one of the most important members of the Merseysiders' system.