HeadtoHeadFootball -
NFL

Raiders rule out 4 defensive starters vs. Chargers

HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders will be without four defensive starters for their crucial Thursday night home game against the Los Angeles Chargers, a less-than-optimal start for new interim defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli.

Defensive end Clelin Ferrell (shoulder), linebacker Nicholas Morrow (concussion), cornerback Damon Arnette (concussion) and safety Johnathan Abram (concussion) will all sit out, Raiders coach Jon Gruden announced Wednesday.

With rookie receiver Henry Ruggs on the reserve/COVID-19 list, four of the Raiders’ five first-round picks over the past two years will be unavailable for Las Vegas (7-6) as it tries to keep alive its flagging playoff hopes against the Chargers (4-9). The fifth first-rounder, running back Josh Jacobs, is dealing with an injured right ankle.

Soccer

Liverpool's Jota ruled out 6-8 weeks with knee injury

Liverpool have been dealt another massive injury blow, as manager Jurgen Klopp announced forward Diogo Jota could be sidelined for up to two months with a knee issue, according to The Athletic’s James Pearce.

The 24-year-old suffered ligament damage in his right knee during Liverpool’s Champions League draw with FC Midtjylland on Wednesday.

“It’s worse than we first thought and better than we then thought,” Klopp said.

“The potential surgeons had a look but no surgery necessary. He will be out for a while, one-and-a-half to two months, we don’t know exactly.”

Jota has been one of Liverpool’s best performers this season, scoring nine goals in 17 matches for the Reds since his £41-million summer move from Wolves.

The Portuguese international’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for a banged-up Liverpool gearing up for a busy festive schedule.

The Reds, who are also without stars such as Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Thiago Alcantara due to injuries, will begin a run of five matches in just over two weeks on Wednesday when they take on title contenders Tottenham.

Liverpool sit a point back of Spurs heading into Sunday’s clash with Fulham.