Premier League injury update: Liverpool anticipates the return of Diogo Jota shortly, Jacob Murphy is set to return for Newcastle, and there are new developments regarding Bournemouth.
**‘Mo is in a very good place’ – Slot on Salah’s future after cryptic social media post**
As the Premier League season heats up, Liverpool finds itself in a strong position at the top of the table. However, the absence of forward Diogo Jota has been felt keenly in recent weeks. The Portuguese international has been sidelined for the last five matches following an injury sustained during the Reds’ victory over Chelsea in October.
Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot, has confirmed that Jota will miss the upcoming clash against Aston Villa at Anfield this Saturday evening, which will be broadcast live on TNT Sports. Nevertheless, Slot remains optimistic about Jota’s recovery, stating, “We expect him back after the international break. The first weeks after the international break, we expect him back.”
When pressed for more details regarding Jota’s injury, Slot maintained a level of discretion, saying, “I always say in Holland there is privacy about this, and I don’t know how it is over here. Like I just said, he will be back one or two weeks after the international break.”
**Newcastle: Murphy fit for Forest**
In other Premier League news, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has provided a positive update on Jacob Murphy, who is set to return for the Magpies’ encounter with Nottingham Forest. Murphy has recovered from a hamstring issue, and Howe expressed confidence in his availability for Sunday’s match.
“I don’t think we are missing anyone new. Jacob Murphy should be OK for Sunday. We are still working on getting the injured players back; they are all making progress,” Howe said.
However, the Newcastle boss acknowledged that Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier remain unavailable, although he hopes that a warm-weather training camp in Saudi Arabia during the international break will aid their recovery.
As for Sven Botman, Howe revealed that the defender’s return from an ACL injury is still some way off. “We hope Sven can begin light training in the next few weeks. If we see him before the end of the year, that would be a bonus. We are probably looking at more like January,” he added.
**Bournemouth: Sinisterra ‘not feeling well’**
Bournemouth has enjoyed a remarkable run of form, remaining unbeaten in their last three matches against top-tier opposition. A stunning 2-0 victory over Arsenal was followed by a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, and they capped it off with a 2-1 triumph over Manchester City last weekend. However, injury concerns continue to plague the Cherries.
Ahead of their match against Brentford, manager Andoni Iraola confirmed that Dango Ouattara is not yet ready to return, although it is not a serious issue. Meanwhile, Luis Sinisterra, who has missed the last two fixtures, is still struggling with his fitness.
“He is disappointed because he has tried this week, but he is not feeling well. He will probably need more time,” Iraola said. “He knows the process; he will have to be more patient.”
**‘Sometimes the opponents are better’ – Guardiola on Bournemouth**
In the wake of Bournemouth’s impressive performances, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged that his side struggled to cope with the Cherries in their recent encounter, stating, “Sometimes the opponents are better.”
**Brighton: ‘Big chance’ of Pedro and O’Riley returning**
Brighton & Hove Albion are seeking to end a winless streak that has stretched to three matches in all competitions. They will host a struggling Manchester City this weekend, and head coach Fabian Hurzeler has received encouraging news regarding the potential return of some key players.
“Some of them will return for sure. Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley have a big chance,” Hurzeler confirmed. However, he noted that Solly March is still too early to return, while Yasin Ayari might be an option for the weekend. Lewis Dunk and Yankuba Mineth remain doubtful ahead of City’s visit.
**Everton: Broja ‘getting a feel for the ball’**
Everton’s Sean Dyche has provided an update on Armando Broja, who is gradually working his way back from injury. Although Broja has not yet participated in full-contact training, Dyche noted that he is “getting a feel for the ball” again.
The Everton manager also expressed hope that Iliman Ndiaye and Abdoulaye Doucoure will be fit for their upcoming trip to West Ham, while Dwight McNeil will undergo a late fitness test.
**West Ham: ‘I am no doctor’ – Lopetegui**
West Ham United’s Julen Lopetegui faces a selection headache as he prepares for a crucial fixture against Everton. The Hammers will be without Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez due to suspension, and they are also missing summer signing Niclas Fullkrug, who is sidelined with an Achilles injury.
“He is not ready. He is not working with us, so I think that he’s going to be out for a lot of time more, unfortunately,” Lopetegui said. “I am no doctor, so I don’t know how long Fullkrug will be out for exactly. He started with a little injury, but step by step it has become more complicated. With the new treatment, he has to be out for the next two or three weeks, but I don’t know exactly, because it depends on what else he’s going to have with the treatment, so let’s see.”