Liverpool FC is set to receive a significant boost ahead of their midweek Premier League match against Sheffield United, as Jurgen Klopp confirms the return of midfielder Curtis Jones. The 23-year-old has been sidelined since February due to an ankle injury but has now resumed full training.
Jones' return comes at a crucial time for Liverpool, who have been grappling with injuries in recent weeks. He had missed the last nine matches in all competitions after picking up an ankle injury against Brentford back in February. His comeback could be as early as this week, according to Klopp's post-match press conference following the Reds' 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool manager, said:
"In full training is Curtis, so he trained with us on Saturday but then had an extra [session] because the minus-one session (day before the game) is not the intensity that Curtis needed.
"So he was with us and then had an extra shift. So he will be in full training but then exactly for the game let me have a look on that. All the others, slowly but surely but not yet [for Thursday]."
The Reds were able to welcome only Ibrahima Konate back from those injured prior to the international break. However, they are optimistic about other key players returning soon. Liverpool welcomed Mohamed Salah back at the start of April following his hamstring injury sustained while representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. The top scorer has started and scored in each of their last three matches, including netting the winner in the Brighton fixture over the weekend.
Robertson to return but Alexander-Arnold under question mark
Andrew Robertson was left out of the squad that beat Brighton due to an ankle injury he suffered while playing for Scotland. However, scans showed no serious damage and his return is believed to be imminent.
On a less positive note, vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold is still not ready for action due to a knee issue since February. Despite expressing intentions over making a comeback later this month, it remains uncertain when he will be fit again.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool player, said:
"It's going well now, [I am] finally in the final stages and just excited to get back out there, It's hard watching and not being a part of it. It's one of the longest [injuries] of my career so far, it gives you that hunger to get back out there and perform. I think a couple of weeks [and I'll be back], if everything keeps going well and there's no setbacks."
Many potential returns on the timeline for Reds
Several other players could potentially rejoin Liverpool squad in upcoming weeks: Diogo Jota (knee) Alisson Becker (hamstring), and Stefan Bajcetic (calf). However, Joel Matip (cruciate ligament tear), Thiago Alcantara (muscle), and teenager Ben Doak (meniscus tear) have all been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Despite their injury setbacks, Liverpool currently lead the Premier League standings with 67 points after 29 matches. They are two points clear of Arsenal in second place and three ahead of defending champions Manchester City. The return of key players like Jones could further strengthen their position as they continue to vie for the title.
