Liverpool fans are eagerly awaiting news regarding the extent of Diogo Jota's injury, which forced him to leave the pitch during the team’s 2-1 win against Chelsea.
In the first half, Jota was injured following a challenge from Tosin Adarabioyo near the halfway line. He was substituted after just 30 minutes, with Darwin Nunez stepping in for him.
Currently, Jota is undergoing assessments from Liverpool’s medical team, but coach Arne Slot is preparing for the possibility that he will miss the Champions League match against RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
Following the match, Slot remarked on Liverpool's website, "Diogo had to be substituted, and I am not sure what it is, but I’d be surprised if he is there on Wednesday.
"Should Jota be unavailable, Nunez is almost certain to start against Leipzig, despite his challenging start to the season under Slot, having only netted once so far.
If Jota ends up sidelined for a few weeks, it will place significant pressure on Darwin to find the net during a tough series of matches.
According to Physio Scout on X/Twitter, Jota is thought to have sustained a rib injury from the collision. Although he attempted to continue after an on-field evaluation, he ultimately could not.
The potential scenarios for Jota's injury include either a rib contusion (bruise) or a rib fracture.
Rib injuries typically involve pain management, with recovery from a contusion generally taking 1-2 weeks. However, scans are necessary to confirm the absence of a fracture, which would prolong the recovery time.
Rib injuries are known for being particularly painful, which may explain why Jota was unable to carry on playing. If it is confirmed as a rib contusion, he might return in a couple of weeks; conversely, a fracture could lead to a recovery period of 4-6 weeks.
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is considering extending his stay at the Etihad beyond the end of this season, despite interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer.
The Belgian playmaker, whose contract expires in the summer, remains a crucial figure for Pep Guardiola’s side and is reportedly keen on staying in Europe to maintain his elite level ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
De Bruyne’s potential suitors include San Diego FC, who are set to debut in MLS next year, and several Saudi Pro League giants willing to offer lucrative contracts.
However, sources close to the player suggest he remains committed to competing at the highest level.
Speaking about his future, De Bruyne emphasised his desire to make the right decision for his career.
“I feel good at City, and I know I can still perform at the top level. My focus is on finishing the season strong and then making the best choice for my future.”
Manchester City officials remain optimistic about keeping their midfield maestro, with Guardiola publicly expressing his hopes for an extended stay.
The City manager stated* “Kevin has been an incredible part of this club for years. We want him to stay, but ultimately, it’s his decision.”
With contract talks expected to intensify in the coming months, De Bruyne’s next move will be closely watched by football fans worldwide.
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