Liverpool could be without striker Diogo Jota when the Premier League leaders take on Brentford on Saturday.
Jota scored 22 seconds after coming off the bench at Nottingham Forest in midweek, his header securing a point for Arne Slot’s side.
Liverpool go into the weekend with a four-point cushion over Arsenal but could do without the Portuguese forward.
Slot said: “There’s no doubt about his (Jota’s) importance for us, but he hasn’t been training so we have to see where he is today.
Arne Slot has confirmed that we will assess Diogo Jota’s fitness to determine if he can take part in Saturday’s trip to Brentford ⤵️
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 17, 2025
“It’s not sure if he’s available tomorrow, we’ll see today. He felt a bit when he walked in, a pinch during the half hour he walked into the Forest. Finished the game but complained a bit about it. We’ll see for tomorrow.”
Brentford have a good record of scoring early goals this season and Liverpool have conceded the first goal in five of their last seven Premier League games.
Slott says he expects the second half of the season to be more difficult and pointed to Southampton’s performance in their eventual defeat by Manchester United on Thursday as proof of what the top teams have in store.
“This season shows the power of the Premier League,” he said.
“It was a big surprise to see Southampton go at Manchester United for so long, so it’s harder to win in the second half of the season than the first.
“Teams are now together, others are bringing players and teams are fighting for Europe, titles, to stay in the league. Brentford is an example of a team that was already strong in the first half.
“They have been a very good team for a few years now. They have shown it.”
Young striker Jayden Danns impressed from the bench during the FA Cup win over Accrington Stanley and is one player who has been linked with a loan move away from Anfield this month.
Slot says he has a lot to think about for the 19-year-old’s future.
He said: “I think you take a lot into account when you want to loan someone, is it good for the player? Yes or no. Do we still need him?
“We have two or three for No. 9 and we don’t expect Jota to be out for long. We hope to see him on the field soon
“Jaden did well when he came in, so we have four options and we have to make the right decisions.”
