Liverpool boss Arne Slot has confirmed that Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa are not close to a return to action.

The Merseyside giants can claim to have enjoyed a strong start to the season, most notably winning each of their opening three matches in the Champions League.

Furthermore, Liverpool occupy second position in the Premier League standings, yet Slot is beginning to have to deal with more fitness issues.

Ahead of Wednesday's EFL Cup fourth round tie at Brighton & Hove Albion, the Dutchman has revealed that he is not in a position where he can make 11 changes to his starting lineup.

That is a consequence of neither Jota or Chiesa being fit enough to return from their respective injuries in the short term.

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"It's always difficult to say"

When pressed by reporters over the availability of Jota, Slot revealed that the Portuguese attacker would not be able to feature before the international break.

That is a consequence of the chest injury that he suffered during the early stages of the victory over Chelsea on October 20.

As for Chiesa, he has barely featured for Liverpool since signing from Juventus in August, and Slot is currently unable to set a date for his return.

Slot told the media: "It's always difficult to say because he goes a bit up and down so sometimes he's there with us and trains a few days and then goes out for an injury again.

"I don't want to put days or weeks on it because I think we just have to make sure he gets in the best possible shape and don't put any pressure on him."

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How does Jota's, Chiesa's game time compare?

Before his injury, Jota was a regular fixture down the centre of the attack, making a total of nine starts and one substitute outing in all competitions.

During that time, four goals and two assists were recorded, with the Portugal international now facing a fight for his place with Darwin Nunez once he is available again late next month.

Meanwhile, Chiesa has made just one start and two substitute outings in three different tournaments - his solitary start was versus West Ham United on September 25 representing his last outing.

The Italy international was initially sidelined with a muscular issue, but it is unclear whether he has now sustained a different injury.