Liverpool’s hopes of winning the Premier League title could be boosted by the imminent return of Curtis Jones, who has been described as an ‘exceptional’ asset by Jurgen Klopp. Jones has been sidelined for nearly two months with an ankle injury but has been tipped to make his comeback when Liverpool face Sheffield United in midweek.
The Reds have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last five matches and the return of Jones could help to provide some extra stability in front of the back four. He is known for doing much of the dirty work that often goes unnoticed, particularly in terms of his consistency and his work off the ball.
His presence in the engine room will help Liverpool to win midfield battles and gain more control in matches, which will be crucial as they go in search of Premier League glory. The return of Jones will also see the Reds become less reliant on Wataru Endo, who has featured in the holding role while his team-mate has been absent.
Liverpool have experienced their fair share of injury problems this season and Klopp will be delighted to have Jones back at his disposal later this week. Speaking after the win over Brighton on Sunday, he confirmed that Jones had returned to full training and suggested that he could be involved against Sheffield United if everything goes to plan.
“He trained already with us on Saturday, but had then extra, because the [matchday] minus one [session] does not have the intensity Curtis needed,” explained Klopp. “He was with us, then he had an extra shift. He will be in full training. What does that mean exactly for the game? Let me have a look at that. Nobody else, the others, slowly but surely, but not yet.”
Klopp has made no secret of his admiration for Jones in the past, describing his work rate as ‘exceptional’ in a glowing review of his individual development at the end of last season.
“He improved a lot, so I think a lot of things came together,” said the Liverpool boss. “You should not forget he is still a young boy and one or two years ago he played super games for us as well. Then he had a difficult spell with injuries, that’s true. Strange injuries, a finger in the eye and stuff like this.
“It took him out for a real while, but this year was especially bad. He could watch a lot of football, he could understand the game better and it looks really like that. I think where he improved the most is counter-pressing, it’s exceptional, and speed of play.
‘He doesn’t keep the ball that long anymore. He does that, and has to do in moments, but he is much quicker in decision-making and stuff like this.”