Diogo Jota was not in Liverpool team training on Thursday ahead of the Reds’ trip to Brentford on Saturday. The Portuguese came off the bench to equalise with his first touch as Arne Slot’s side drew 1-1 away from Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night.

Liverpool have the chance to increase their lead at the top of the table before their title rivals play, but they face a capable Brentford away from home.

Liverpool substitute Diogo Jota's second-half header earned the visitors a battling 1-1 draw with surprise Premier League title rivals Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, keeping the leaders six points clear at the top of the standings.

Diogo Jota pressed his claims for a place in the XI with his immediate impact on Tuesday, but in his pre-match press conference, Slot confirmed the Portuguese forward picked up a niggle during his cameo and was struggling to be fit. Given his recent injury record, risking him from the start would be a potentially flawed move.

Why He Must Start Against ForestIn football, some players are built for the big moments, and Diogo Jota proved yet again that he belongs in that category. Against

Diogo Jota might have scored Liverpool’s equaliser against Nottingham Forest, but the forward could not hide his disappointment at only scoring one goal. The Portuguese took just 22 seconds to get his name on the scoresheet, heading home fellow substitute Kostas Tsimikas’ corner moments after coming on.

Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest left many fans frustrated, but as discussed in Stat Me Up on Anfield Index, Dr Phil Barter and Dave Davis broke down the performance and highlighted the crucial influence of Diogo Jota.

Arne Slot's side have dropped a few points of late as they look to stay clear of rivals at the summit of the Premier League table.

The Uruguyan is a frustrating figure but his brace at Brentford showed why Liverpool must persist with him - for now at least

Darwin Núñez has had his doubters this season, and poor form has led to rumours of a January transfer. He answered his critics with a late, match-winning double at Brentford.