Jurgen Klopp has said that Curtis Jones’ half-time substitution last night was due to an injury worry.
In his post-game interview with LFCTV GO, the manager said that he hoped the the knock wasn’t too serious.
“Curtis played a sensational first half but felt his thigh a little bit,” said Klopp, before confirming that Jones aside, The Reds came out unscathed.
“So that’s why we had to change and hopefully that’s not too serious, apart from that looks like everyone came through properly.”
It was a real shame for Jones who had started the match like a man with a point to prove. It was looking like a good response to being left out of the matchday squad for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final win.
Never one to shy away, the 21-year-old demanded the ball in all areas of the pitch. Possibly he just pushed a little too hard to catch the manager’s eye, and was replaced by Harvey Elliott for the second half.
After losing Thiago at the weekend, the last thing Liverpool need is another injury in midfield. Fingers crossed it isn’t serious.
Slipping down the pecking order
It’s often easy to forget just how impressive Jones’ rise has been at Liverpool.
He is sometimes unfairly held up against Trent Alexander-Arnold as another local lad who has come through the academy.
But Trent is a generational talent. There’s no shame in not contributing as much to the team as the right-back.
Besides, Jones is two and-a-half years younger than his teammate. As other prospects have fallen by the way-side, he has established himself as a squad member in an exceptional team.
The emergence of Elliott as a first-team option has also seemingly put Jones in the shade somewhat. Before his injury the 18-year-old had appeared to overtake his older colleague in Klopp’s midfield pecking order.
Post-injury Elliott also seems to be the preferred option for Klopp. With Thiago out pre-match on Sunday, it was Elliott who was brought in, not Jones.
Jones gives a reminder of his quality
The Scouser should still be proud of his achievements for his boyhood club, though.
He’s now closing in on 70 appearances for Liverpool. In any other era over the last decade or so, Jones would likely be a nailed on starter for The Reds.
Given the quality that courses through Klopp’s team, he isn’t.
But last night gave us a little reminder, if we needed one, that Jones can be a huge asset for this team. He was a constant outlet for the ball and looked like making things happen when he had it.
It wasn’t a coincidence that when he went off, Liverpool looked far less capable of creating anything.
Thiago will definitely miss Saturday’s game against West Ham United. That means there’s a spot open in midfield.
The timing is unfortunate for Jones, who looked like he might be playing his way into that starting lineup.
Hopefully his substitution was just a precaution. But it looks like it may be another bump in a frustratingly stop-start campaign for the youngster.
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