The availability of Curtis Jones for Liverpool’s forthcoming match against Manchester United is uncertain, according to manager Arne Slot.
At the beginning of the new Premier League season, the Reds triumphed for the second time in a row, although one man was missing from the team. Jones, 23, did not come off the bench in the matchday squad for the victory over Ipswich Town last weekend.
He was sidelined again, this time against Brentford due to a slight injury. Slot was questioned about this during the press conference following the game, particularly in light of the trip to Old Trafford the following week. “It will be quite close.” When asked if he would be available for the game the following week, he replied. “We must wait and observe. It is challenging to track the progression of an injury. He won’t be absent for an extended period of time.”
Jones played in four of Liverpool’s five preseason games, and his playmaking technique and physical traits are undoubtedly in tune with Slot’s philosophy. It seems likely that Jones will flourish in this new, possession-based system. In their match against Brentford yesterday, Liverpool completed 92% of their passes, which was a record high for their passing accuracy in a Premier League game since 2003–04.
Although Jones’s 91% pass accuracy from the previous season was the best of any midfielder at the team, his heatmap indicated that he preferred and was naturally suited to play on the left side of central midfield, a position that is currently occupied by Alexis Mac Allister, one of the most important players for the team. He must thus bide his time till his opportunity to impress.
Although he has played in the “number six” role in the past, including during the preseason, Ryan Gravenberch has been assigned to that role thus far. Wataru Endo, who played 44 games under Jurgen Klopp, was let go from his position. And from the previous season to the present, the Dutchman’s average touches per game increased from 28 to 80. As a result of those predetermined duties from the first two games, Jones was demoted to Slot’s first alternate. Additionally, he will start on the bench for United if he is fit.
