Two Liverpool Forwards Could Miss Brentford Clash

Liverpool’s preparations for their crucial Premier League fixture against Brentford have been thrown into uncertainty with Diogo Jota’s latest injury concern. The Portuguese forward was absent from training on Thursday, fuelling speculation about his availability for the weekend. On top of that, Luis Diaz missed training on Thursday with a sore throat but is still expected to be available for the weekend’s clash.

Managing Jota’s Fitness Carefully

Reports from Sky Sports journalist Vinny O’Connor indicate that Jota was undergoing individual training, with Liverpool’s medical team opting for a cautious approach to his recovery. This comes as no surprise given the injury setbacks the 28-year-old has endured this season.

Jota’s latest fitness issue surfaced following his brief but impactful performance against Nottingham Forest, where he netted a vital equaliser after just 25 minutes on the pitch. His ability to deliver in crucial moments is unquestionable, making his potential absence a significant blow for Arne Slot’s side.

Slot’s Verdict on Jota’s Availability

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Liverpool boss Arne Slot admitted that Jota remains a doubt for the Brentford clash:

“No doubt about his importance for us but he wasn’t training, so we have to see today where he is.”

“It’s not sure he is available tomorrow, we’ll see today. He felt a little bit when he came in, a niggle during the half-hour he came in. He finished the [Nottingham] game but complained a bit about it. We’ll see for tomorrow.”

Jota’s Impact in 2024/25

Despite his disrupted campaign, Jota has been remarkably efficient in front of goal. With eight strikes in just 19 outings across all competitions, he continues to be a crucial part of Liverpool’s attacking setup.

His knack for scoring in pivotal moments has made him indispensable, as evidenced by his late equaliser against Nottingham Forest. With Brentford’s well-organised defence posing a challenge, Slot will be eager to have his versatile forward fit and firing. If Jota is sidelined, Liverpool may need to rely on their attacking depth to secure three vital points in the title race.