Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that forward Diogo Jota is expected to feature in their Champions League match against Bologna at Anfield, despite missing training earlier this week.
The 27-year-old Portuguese international sustained a knock during the Reds’ 2-1 Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday but is set to play in place of Federico Chiesa, who suffered an injury in training.
Chiesa, who joined Liverpool from Juventus in August and provided an assist in the club’s 5-1 League Cup win over West Ham United, will miss the chance to face an Italian side in the Champions League.
Slot expressed disappointment for Chiesa, saying, “It’s a shame for him because he was looking forward to a Champions League night at Anfield, and especially because we face an Italian team.”
Slot did not specify how long Chiesa would be sidelined but suggested the injury was not serious.
“It happened yesterday, but I am not expecting him to be out for a very long period of time,” he added, hinting that Chiesa might return for Liverpool’s league match against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Liverpool, under Slot’s leadership in his first season, have made an impressive start.
They currently sit atop the Premier League with 15 points, began their Champions League campaign with a 3-1 win over AC Milan, and have advanced to the League Cup last 16.
Slot praised the team’s quality and cohesion, noting, “One of the reasons we can compete is we have a lot of quality. We have a lot of cohesion in the team.”
Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister also praised Slot’s influence, particularly in how he has quickly filled the void left by former manager Jurgen Klopp.
The Argentine midfielder said, “He’s definitely an amazing manager. You can see how he’s been from the first day. We understand what he wants from us, and I think that’s the main thing as a coach – to get the ideas in the players.”
As Liverpool return to Champions League action after a one-year absence, Slot expressed his desire for the team to show hunger and passion on the European stage.
“What I want from the players is them to show they missed this. I want to see this, I want to feel this,” Slot said. “I hope they feel this desire to show Europe that you missed us.”
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