The Premier League season might have just started for Liverpool, but the Reds have already had to deal with a number of injury problems.
News broke this week that Harvey Elliott will be out for a month after fracturing his foot on international duty with England’s U-21s, with Alexis Mac Allister also picking up a small fitness issue whilst playing with Argentina.
With a hectic September schedule coming up for Liverpool, any injury to a first-team player will be viewed by Arne Slot and fans as a major blow in the Reds’ bid to build up as much early-season form as possible.
And Liverpool could now have one player back this weekend to face Nottingham Forest having now lost Elliott.
Curtis Jones set to return for Liverpool after minor muscle injury
According to the Athletic’s James Pearce, Curtis Jones is expected to be back for Liverpool this weekend to face Forest, with the journalist saying when asked if the midfielder will return: “Yes Curtis Jones was missing before the break but he should be fit for the weekend.”
Hailed as an ‘outstanding’ player in training, Jones’ return has come at the ideal time for Liverpool with Elliott set for a month out on the sideline, with the Reds facing some big games in the coming weeks.
READ MORE: Everything to know on Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott from his hair to net worth
With Jones yet to play this season, the 23-year-old midfielder will be itching to get back onto the pitch and to impress his new manager having established himself as a reliable operator under Jurgen Klopp in recent years.
And with Elliott out injured, Jones is likely to get chances in the midfield with Liverpool, with the England youth international likely to challenge the likes of Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch for a starting XI place.
Jones needs to grab upcoming opportunities with both hands
Jones has been a consistent performer for Liverpool across the years with the midfielder improving little by little with each passing season, with the appointment of Slot likely to help the 23-year-old’s game improve even more.
And with plenty of games coming up for Jones, this is a real chance for the midfielder to grab his new manager’s attention with fixtures coming up in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and League Cup.
Indeed, Jones is aware that he can fight his way into this Liverpool starting XI if given the chance, and injury to Elliott has gifted the midfielder a route to such a reality if he can perform when called upon by Slot.
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