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Topics: Liverpool, Curtis Jones, Manchester United
Robert Worthington
Jürgen Klopp has confirmed that Curtis Jones has "no chance" of playing against Man United tomorrow.
Liverpool are dealing with something of an injury crisis, with Thiago Alcantara, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Joel Matip, and Ibrahima Konaté are among the other Reds stars currently carrying problems.
Jones will be particularly frustrated to be carrying a knock at the moment with Thiago out of action but speaking to LFCTV, Klopp has revealed the Englishman is getting “closer” to a return.
Thiago’s problem has presented Harvey Elliott the opportunity to pick up some consistent minutes for Liverpool and he impressed against Crystal Palace last Monday.
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But Jones will know he could’ve been the player picking up the game time if he was fit.
One senses this is a big season for the 21-year-old with his future at Liverpool very much up in the air.
Since breaking into the first team squad a couple of years ago, the midfielder has failed to nail down a consistent playing role at Anfield.
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And with Liverpool poised to make a big money move for Jude Bellingham next summer, many Reds engine room players are fighting for their long-term futures at the club.
When Jones returns from his latest injury problem, he’ll be desperate to impress.
Until then, Jürgen Klopp still clearly has some issues to resolve in his engine room.
James Milner started alongside Fabinho and Harvey Elliott in a midfield three which flattered to deceive against Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace last week.
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Without Thiago, the Liverpool midfield certainly lacks technical quality, flair, and creativity.
Some fans have called for Fabio Carvalho to be deployed in the middle of the park in an attempt to nullify that issue.
But despite impressing when called off the bench thus far as a Liverpool player, Klopp will understandably have concerns over whether Carvalho has the necessary discipline to play at this young age.
Thus, when Curtis Jones does overcome his current injury, there will be opportunities for him to break into the team.
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And if he once again fails to impress, it’d be unsurprising to see him moved on next summer.