Diogo Jota injury: Progress and potential return date | OneFootball

For all his ruthless finishing, instinctive positioning and tireless pressing, injuries have been one of the prevailing themes of Diogo Jota's Liverpool career.

The potent Portuguese forward has missed some lengthy spells since trading Molineux for Anfield at the beginning of the 2020/21 campaign, with his second season at Liverpool the only one in which he hasn't suffered a serious and long-term injury.

Jota has already spent a significant spell on the sidelines this term, missing 12 matches for the Reds with an issue sustained in October - the last time he started a Premier League match. He's been eased back into the squad over recent weeks having made a full recovery, but Arne Slot has delivered a concerning update on his current fitness situation.

Here's the latest injury news regarding the diminutive Liverpool striker.

What injury does Diogo Jota have?

Diogo Jota scored a crucial equaliser against Nottingham Forest / Michael Regan/GettyImages

Jota has proven his worth on several occasions since returning from the treatment room, often making an immediate impact from the bench. That's exactly what he did on Tuesday during Liverpool's top of the table clash with Nottingham Forest, netting a header within 22 seconds of entering the fray.

The Portugal international could have finished up with a hat-trick had it not been for the impressive reflexes of Matz Sels, with the 28-year-old transforming Liverpool's fortunes from the bench. Only Mohamed Salah finished the match with more shots than Jota's four, despite the fact that the former Wolverhampton Wanderers forward only arrived in the 65th minute.

However, he evidently didn't make it through the match unscathed, with Liverpool boss Slot confirming that he has suffered a fresh injury concern. The Dutchman didn't reveal the exact nature of the issue but cast doubt over his involvement in Saturday's Premier League duel with Brentford.

When will Diogo Jota return from injury?

Diogo Jota is integral for Liverpool / Julian Finney/GettyImages

Slot didn't go into great detail on the nature of Jota's fitness issue but did admit that he's a major doubt for Saturday's trip to the Gtech Community Stadium.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, the Liverpool manager stated: "There is no doubt about the fact Jota is an important player for us, but he wasn’t on the training ground yesterday so that means we have to see today where he is.

"So, it is not sure he will be available for tomorrow. We have to wait and see today.

"He felt a little bit when he came in [against Forest], a little niggle during the half-hour he came in. He could finish the game, but afterwards he complained a bit about it and that’s why he didn't train yesterday.

"We have to wait and see if he is available today and then, of course, tomorrow."

Later in his press conference, Slot revealed: "It will be a struggle to have him [Jota] on the pitch maybe on Saturday, but we are hoping to see him on the pitch in the near future again."

With Liverpool having failed to win their last two Premier League games, they will be desperate to include Jota in their matchday squad for the challenging trip to west London.

Who could replace Diogo Jota for Liverpool?

Luis Diaz could also miss out at the weekend / Carl Recine/GettyImages

Liverpool are not shy of attacking options and have several candidates to lead the line in Jota's absence. One of those is Luis Diaz, who started against Forest midweek, but the Colombian is also doubtful to feature at the weekend due to illness.

"I assume he [Diaz] is [fine]. Yesterday he was not allowed [to train] because he had a bit of a sore throat, but I assume he will be training with us today," said Slot before the Brentford clash.

"I still have to hear this, but we are expecting him to train with us today."

Darwin Nunez was suspended for the trip to the City Ground - a venue in which he scored a dramatic late winner last season - but returns to the fold on Saturday. He scored a delightful chip at the Gtech on his most recent visit and could lead the line following a midweek rest.

19-year-old Jayden Danns, who scored in the FA Cup last weekend and celebrated his birthday on Thursday, could also be a candidate for the matchday squad. The youngster has been linked with a loan exit in January but could stick around to provide attacking cover.