Diogo Jota could be fit enough to face Bournemouth on Saturday as Liverpool look to extend their lead in the Premier League title race.
The Reds travel to the south coast with a six point advantage over Arsenal having played a game less.
They’ll be expected to strengthen their advantage with the Gunners facing a tricky match against Manchester City, while Arne Slot was able to rest his best players for the Champions League trip to PSV on Wednesday.
The likes of Mohammed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold did not even journey to the Netherlands, with a rotated side losing 3-2 after Amara Nallo was sent off four minutes into his debut.
Nevertheless, they’ll have to be at their best against Bournemouth who are unbeaten in 12 games and up to seventh in the table, with some even predicting Andoni Iraola’s side to qualify for the Champions League.
Only Liverpool and Arsenal can better the Cherries’ defensive record in the league so Slot will be delighted to have one of his best attacking players back in training ahead of schedule.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, the head coach was asked about the fitness of Jota, Darwin Nunez and Joe Gomez.
‘All three of them are in training today so then the question is, “Are they already far enough to join us towards Bournemouth?”,’ he replied.
‘That’s something we have to wait and see today because we have probably also more than 20 players available. We always have more than 20 available but the ones that are mostly there.
‘So, we have to make the smartest decision for them, but also for winning the game tomorrow.’
Jota was not expected back for another two weeks as he recovered from a thigh injury but could well feature against Bournemouth and in the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg against Tottenham.
The Portugal international has proven to be an important player under Slot, so far recording eight goals and two assists in 19 appearances, only 11 of which starts.
He notably scored with his first touch to salvage a point at Nottingham Forest a couple of weeks ago, but injury issues have plagued him all season.
Gomez’s return will also add depth to Liverpool’s defence, while Nunez, back from illness, has also proven to be a useful asset despite still struggling to find the back of the net on a consistent basis.
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