Liverpool face triple injury blow as Slot says situation ‘difficult to judge’ | OneFootball

Liverpool’s upcoming Champions League trip to Germany, where they face RB Leipzig, is shadowed by growing injury concerns.

Arne Slot’s squad is set to endure one of its most challenging periods yet, with several key players missing or nursing injuries. These setbacks come at a critical time, as the Reds prepare for a Premier League showdown with title rivals Arsenal following the midweek European fixture.

Despite their impressive start in the newly revamped Champions League format, winning both of their group stage games so far, the Reds find themselves in fifth place in the overall standings due to goal difference. With Leipzig struggling at the bottom, Liverpool aim to continue their winning streak, but they’ll have to do so without a number of important contributors.

Diogo Jota is one of the notable absentees for Liverpool’s journey to Leipzig. The forward was forced off in the first half of Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield last weekend after a collision with Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo. The incident left Jota with a suspected rib injury, which prevented him from continuing the match.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot provided an update, stating: “He got a knock like we all saw when he was trying to go down. The other player fell on him, and it hurt him so much that he couldn’t continue. It’s difficult to judge how long it’s going to take. It’s bruised.”

Jota’s absence is particularly concerning with Liverpool’s attacking depth already under strain, as they brace for the crucial clash in the Premier League against Arsenal.

Another key figure who won’t be traveling to Leipzig is Federico Chiesa. The Italian winger, who joined Liverpool from Juventus over the summer, has now missed four consecutive games. Chiesa sustained an injury in training before the international break, which wasn’t initially thought to be serious. However, his absence has continued longer than expected.

The 26 year old has made just three appearances for Liverpool, totaling 78 minutes across three successive games. His last involvement came in the 3-1 victory over Wolves before his injury setback.

Slot addressed Chiesa’s situation, highlighting the challenge of integrating the winger into the Premier League following his move from Serie A: “It’s always difficult with injuries to see where they are after a few days. With Federico, it’s more straightforward he missed pre-season and came to a league that’s higher intensity than Serie A.”

Slot acknowledges he needs to take a more cautious approach with the Italian.

“That makes it difficult for him to catch up with the rest of the team. It’s disappointing for him to be in and out, but he signed a long-term contract, so we need to manage him carefully.”

Conor Bradley’s absence against Chelsea also raised eyebrows among supporters. The young right-back had recently captained Northern Ireland in two matches during the international break, but returned to Liverpool with an unspecified issue. When asked about it he did say “Conor Bradley and Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa didn’t make the trip either so we ave a few issues”

With injuries stacking up, Liverpool’s defensive depth is being tested. Alisson Becker is another notable absentee, with the Brazilian shot-stopper sidelined for at least a month due to a hamstring injury. In his absence, Caoimhin Kelleher has stepped up to deputise between the posts, bringing a steady presence in goal during a critical stretch of games.

The timing of Liverpool’s injury troubles is far from ideal, with a crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal looming just days after their trip to Germany. Leipzig may be without a point in the Champions League, but they are still a dangerous side, having faced tough opponents like Atletico Madrid and Juventus.

Slot is aware that despite their struggles, Leipzig will present a stern test, especially with Liverpool not at full strength. He is relishing the challenge and has kept his focus on the bigger picture, knowing the battle against Arsenal is only just part of ‘tough fixture list’

“Never think it is a good idea to lose a game. Whenever you are in the season, you always want the best possible result. We face a good team, doing well in Bundesliga. After 2 games, you can have a league table that doesn’t tell the whole story. Very good team and yes, the fixture list is tough but what do you expect if you play CL? That is what we like and what we want.”