Why Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota are not playing for Liverpool vs. Brighton

On By Littum

Liverpool are again without Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota against Brighton & Hove Albion as the Reds deal with several long-term injuries ahead of the international break in November.

Arne Slot gave one fitness update on 1 November and confirmed that both Chiesa and Jota are still unavailable for Liverpool.

“Chiesa will not be back until the international break, but there is only a week left,” Slot told reporters. “We hope he can get things going again during the international break and that he can join us afterwards.”

Since his move from Juventus in August, Chiesa has made just three appearances for Liverpool across all competitions, playing just 78 minutes. A muscle problem has kept the striker off the field since the beginning of October.

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Slot also provided a timeline for Jota and Alisson’s return from injury.

“I think I’ve said it already a few times that it’s always difficult to tell you exactly when they’re ready, because especially the last phase of the recovery can always be a few days extra or less,” said Slot . “The fact is they won’t be there until the international break and let’s see if they can join us after.”

Alisson suffered a hamstring injury on 5 October and Jota suffered a rib injury on 20 October. Both players will not feature in Liverpool’s final Premier League games against Brighton and Aston Villa ahead of the international break in November. They will also miss the Reds’ Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen.

Without Jota in the squad, Slot trusts Darwin Núñez to lead the line. Caoimhin Kelleher, meanwhile, is the starting man between the sticks.

Liverpool come into their match against Brighton only one point behind Manchester City in the Premier League standings. If Castle’s men pick up three points against Brighton, they will remain four points ahead of Arsenal after securing a 2-2 draw with the Gunners last weekend.

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