Diogo Jota suffers major injury setback which could dent Liverpool's Premier League title hopes

Liverpool star Diogo Jota has suffered an injury setback in what could be a huge blow for the Reds' title bid.

New head coach Arne Slot has enjoyed a fine start to life at Anfield as his men sit top of the table in both the Premier League and Champions League.

Slot has only lost one match since taking over from Jurgen Klopp, a shock 1-0 defeat at Anfield against Nottingham Forest, who have been the surprise package of the season so far as they currently sit third in the league table.

One of Liverpool's most important players, Jota, has been sidelined since being forced off during his side's 2-1 win over Chelsea last moth.

At first, it was speculated that Jota could possibly make a return before the double header against Manchester City and Real Madrid towards the end of the month.

However, as reported by The Echo, Jota might not return until the early weeks of December.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's match against Aston Villa in the Premier League, Slot gave a brief update on Jota's recovery.

He said: "We expect him back after the international break. Now, after the international break is six or seven months (of the season) to go!

"He will be back one or two weeks after the international break."

When asked to give more details about the injury, Slot replied: "I always say there is privacy about the injury."

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When asked how he will go about taking on Villa, Slot explained: "If you ask me now, I say it is not that difficult [to form game-plan].

"[Unai] Emery has almost the same formation but sometimes depend on the players. His style of play, his idea is always the same."

He added: "Saying this, that was the same with Xabi Alonso [against Bayer Leverkusen] but never once he came up with [Victor] Boniface as a left winger and no No.9. Maybe that’s a compliment?

"Most managers think we have a good team so they change game-plan. I don’t expect Unai to change a lot but in terms of personnel he can change a bit like you said. Always 4-4-2 he’s played for many years now."