Liverpool are facing a period of time without Diogo Jota being available to them after he missed both of Portugal’s internationals during the break.

The winger started for Liverpool in their final game before the international break against Manchester City before being substituted in the second half.

He was selected by Portugal boss Fernando Santos for their games against Qatar and Luxembourg, but has been unable to train all week due to a muscle injury.

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Jota was left out of the Portugal lineup that faced Qatar in a friendly as Santos rested most of his regular starters, but there was hope that the winger would be available for the World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg on Tuesday.

However the Portuguese Football Federation released a statement on Tuesday afternoon revealing that Jota had been sent home from international duty early after being unable to train once again, meaning he was unavailable for the game. A statement said;

“Diogo Jota was dismissed by the national team manager Fernando Santos, after being considered unavailable by the FPF Health and Performance Unit to face Luxembourg, in a meeting to be held this Tuesday.

“The Liverpool player, who has already left the stage of the national team, has done conditioning work since the beginning of the international break, having also missed the match against Qatar.”

Jota is a doubt for Liverpool’s weekend game against Watford at Vicarage Road, where they could also be without goalkeeper Alisson and midfielder Fabinho who are on international duty with Brazil.

They aren’t expected to return from South America until late on Friday night and with the game against Watford on Saturday in the lunch-time slot, their participation is unlikely.

Liverpool then face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in midweek before a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the Premier League the following weekend.