"He wasn't entirely okay after the game" – Arne Slot confirms Liverpool star did not train with rest of the team after Fulham clash

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has confirmed that Diogo Jota did not to train with the rest of the squad following a recent 2-2 Premier League draw against Fulham at Anfield.

Earlier on Saturday (December 14), the Reds came back from behind twice to earn one point against Fulham. Jota returned from his rib injury and scored the second equaliser in the 86th minute of the league clash as a substitute.

Ahead of Liverpool's EFL Cup quarter-final clash at Southampton this Wednesday (December 18), Slot was asked to shed light on Jota's recovery process. He replied (h/t Liverpool Echo):

"He wasn't entirely okay after the game. [He] didn't train with us after the game. I don't expect him to start but he might get some minutes."

Jota, who played for just 11 minutes against the Cottagers, missed 11 overall matches for Slot's outfit due to his rib injury. The 28-year-old picked up his recent injury during a 2-1 league win against Chelsea at Anfield back in October.

So far this campaign, the ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers striker has started nine of his 11 total appearances for the Merseyside club. The 46-cap Portugal international has contributed five goals and two assists for his club so far.

Providing insight into other injury-stricken Liverpool stars, Slot added:

"Kostas [Tsimikas] is coming close. He will train with us the first time today. [Ibrahima Konate] and [Conor] Bradley aren't training."

Owing to Liverpool's current situation with injuries, Slot could decide to field academy players in their upcoming EFL Cup last-eight tie at Southampton.

Liverpool star excited to return from injury

After his team's 2-2 league draw against Fulham, Reds star Harvey Elliott shared his thoughts on getting vital minutes under his belt as a substitute. He told club media:

"It's just about waiting for your time. We are a squad and we are a team and some games you might not be needed. But, for example like today, players are needed like [Diogo] Jota coming back from injury and he got our equaliser. We all have to be ready and prepared to come on and impact the game. We are all together as one, we are a squad and we are going to need everyone."

Elliott, who missed almost two months due to a foot injury, has made four appearances in all competitions for the Merseyside outfit this season.

Last season, the 21-year-old left-footed attacking midfielder scored four goals and recorded 11 assists in 53 total matches for his current club.