Arne Slot has revealed that Diogo Jota 'wasn't quite fit' after a goal-rich return to the first team against Fulham.
The Reds boss, whose side claimed a 2-2 draw against the Cottagers at Anfield despite playing with 10 men for most of the match, confirmed the Portuguese will not start Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie against Southampton.
The draw against the Premier League strugglers could offer the Dutchman the opportunity to make a change from the side that has shown signs of fatigue in recent weeks. And although Slot still has hope for the striker's arrival, it will not be from the start.
“Diogo would definitely have been someone ideal for him to play,” Slot said. 'But after the [Fulham] He wasn't completely fit during the match, so he didn't train yesterday. Let's see if he can train with us today.
'Don't expect him to start. Hopefully he can get some minutes, but don't expect him to start tomorrow.'
The Premier League leaders will do everything they can to ensure that no undue pressure is placed on the striker, who came off the bench to rescue a point in his first appearance since October.
Slot was able to provide a positive update on the condition of Kostas Tsimikas, who has been out since November with an ankle injury.
It remains to be seen whether he will feature against the Saints – who will be managed by caretaker boss Simon Rusk following the sacking of Russell Martin – but the news is timely given Andy Robertson's injury and suspension.
'[Tsimikas] has taken the first positive step,” he said. 'But when the players are back on the grass, still [for] play time sometimes there is a little bit of time in between.
'But I can't say exactly how long, because not every player reacts the same way. Some players return earlier with the same injury and some players need a little more time.'
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