Liverpool have had to deal with a number of injury problems in their midfield this season, but following the return of Thiago, another midfielder could soon regain full fitness.
The Reds are hoping that Curtis Jones, who is yet to feature this term, could return ahead of the Brighton game.
The 21-year-old has been nursing a tibial stress issue (shin splints), and last played a match in July’s Community Shield victory over Man City.
Jones, who has failed to establish himself as a regular starter in Jurgen Klopp's side despite breaking into the first team squad 3 years ago, could well be fighting for his future on Merseyside.
Advert
He’ll have been disappointed to miss out on playing opportunities thus far this season amid his injury woes.
There was a real chance for him to gain some valuable first-team minutes amid the absence of the likes of Naby Keita, Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Instead, Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho, who are both a few years younger, were given the chances to impress.
It’s just bad luck from the perspective of Curtis Jones. But if Liverpool are beginning to run out of patience with him, it’d be understandable as to why that’d be the case.
So, with the Englishman, who Klopp once dubbed 'incredible' potentially returning to the squad for Liverpool’s next Premier League contest according to The National, he must impress.
And if he does, Jones could very well reap the benefits with Liverpool’s current midfield three far from settled at the current moment in time.
Thiago and Fabinho are pretty much nailed on starters whenever they’re available for selection, but the third starting role in midfield is still very much up for grabs.
Harvey Elliott has been seen most frequently operating in that role this season, and has shown glimpses of quality, but it’d be far-fetched to suggest that shirt is his.
Liverpool fans will welcome the news of Jones’ return to action. The onus is now on him to deliver.
Topics: Liverpool, Brighton And Hove Albion, Curtis Jones
Robert Worthington