Jurgen Klopp says 21-year-old Liverpool player definitely won't be featuring against United

Anfield Talk
by Anfield Talk August 19, 2022

Jurgen Klopp has said that Curtis Jones won’t return from injury in time to play against Manchester United on Monday.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference via Liverpool FC on YouTube, Klopp said that Jones won’t play against United. He did however suggest that both Jones and Diogo Jota are ‘closer’ to a return.

“Getting closer,” said the boss when asked about how the pair’s injury rehab was coming along. “Ask me after the game again, but no chance for this game.”

Jones was initially ruled out for between two and four weeks. The youngster has been missing for just shy of three weeks now, so can’t be too far away. Jota on the other hand has missed over a month already.

Frustration continues for Jones
This had looked set to be a big season for Jones as he continues his establishment as a senior player. Of course, there’s every chance it still could be, these are very early days into the season.

It must be frustrating for Jones, who seems to be taking one step forward at two back at the moment. He had his moments last season, but injury ultimately stopped him having more of an impact.

As Liverpool already posses a couple of injury-prone midfielders, the 21-year-old could do without becoming another.

At this stage of his career, perhaps the best ability to have is availability. Given the issues that Liverpool often contend with in his position, he would be given reasonable opportunities if he can just stay fit.

Klopp is obviously a big fan of his, and Jones already played 75 times for Liverpool at the age of twenty-one. But there’s always a feeling that he can offer more than he is.

Both in specific games and as a general rule, the England U21 international feels like he is right on the edge of being brilliant. If he can just go that extra 10 or 20 per cent, he can be a proper player.

Hopefully once he’s over his current issue, Jones can then maintain his fitness for the rest of the season. If he can, he’s bound to get chances to further realise his potential.