"Will not be available" – Liverpool boss Arne Slot rules out 27-year-old star from Arsenal clash in major blow for Reds

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has confirmed that forward Diogo Jota will miss his club's Premier League encounter against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium this Sunday (October 27).

Jota, 27, has cemented himself as Slot's first-choice number nine over the last few months. He started his seventh league match in the 2-1 triumph over Chelsea last weekend, injuring his rib in the first half.

Ahead of Liverpool's league contest at Arsenal, Slot was asked to provide updates on his squad's current injury list. The Dutchman replied (h/t X/@FabrizioRomano):

"Diogo Jota will not be available. Federico Chiesa might train at the weekend, let's see what happens with Conor Bradley."

In Jota's absence, Darwin Nunez is likely to start the Reds' clash against the north London outfit. The Uruguayan has scored two goals in nine total outings, while the Portuguese has netted four times in 10 games.

Apart from Jota, Federico Chiesa, and Conor Bradley, the Reds will miss two other stars this Sunday. Alisson Becker is recovering from a hamstring injury and Harvey Elliott is currently nursing his foot problem.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot claims winning at Arsenal is vital to Premier League title charge

At a recent pre-game press conference, Arne Slot provided his honest thoughts on his side's upcoming visit to last campaign's Premier League runners-up. He opined (h/t Liverpool Echo):

"I said before and after that I expect a lot from Chelsea and they showed that at Anfield. A similar team to Arsenal with full-backs and go into the same formation but last two seasons, [the Gunners] have been ahead of us, so you would assume playing them would be more difficult but let's see at the end of the season."

Slot, who has guided his club to 11 wins in 12 total games, added:

"It's an away game, it's even more difficult than Chelsea at home and we know how difficult that was. We all know that taking points from competitions [is important] and nobody knows who the biggest competitors will be at this early stage but Arsenal will be one, so winning points against them is important."

While Liverpool are atop the 2024-25 Premier League table, Mikel Arteta's side are currently third in the standings. The former are on 21 points from eight outings and the latter are on 17 points from eight matches.

Arsenal boast a great head-to-head record against Liverpool, registering two wins, two draws, and just one loss in their past five meetings.