EPL: Jota’s absence felt deeply by Liverpool, says Slot

Liverpool's manager, Arne Slot, has expressed the significant effect of losing Diogo Jota, indicating that the club feels his absence both on and off the field.

The Portuguese winger sadly passed away in a car accident last summer at the young age of 28.

His former teammate at Liverpool, Andy Robertson, disclosed that he was “in bits” on Tuesday prior to Scotland’s exhilarating win over Denmark, which secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

As reported by BBC Sport on Friday, Slot remarked: “I watched the interview [with Robertson] live, and I recognize that this is a concern for us, which is entirely understandable.

“At this moment, I constantly reflect on how his wife and children must be feeling.

“It is significantly more challenging for them than it is for us. However, it is evident that we will miss both the player and the individual.”

The Reds have suffered four losses in their last five Premier League matches and were defeated 3-0 by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium before the international break.

This loss positioned Liverpool eighth in the standings, trailing league leaders Arsenal by eight points, as they prepare to host Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

In the previous season’s league match against Forest, Jota netted a goal just 22 seconds after being substituted in the 1-1 draw.

“Now we face Nottingham Forest; last season, we were down 1-0, and it took him [Jota] only one minute to score the equalizer. So, I am indeed referring to the player we miss dearly,” Slot stated.

“It is also clear that we miss him as a person.”

Slot confirmed that goalkeeper Alisson Becker is back in action after being sidelined for six weeks due to a hamstring injury.

Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz will both be unavailable for the match against Forest due to unspecified injuries.