Jurgen Klopp has given an update on Liverpool’s injury situation ahead of Sunday’s game with Brighton.
The Reds are still waiting on a number of players to return from relatively long-term problems. With not too much longer of the season left, time is starting to run out for a few.
From here on in, every game is of massive importance to Liverpool. This weekend’s clash with the Seagulls, for example, can put the Reds back top of the Premier League before Manchester City and Arsenal face off.
But Brighton are no mugs and Liverpool will need Anfield rocking and their best possible XI out if they’re to make sure of the win.
Klopp had reportedly been hoping for the return of Curtis Jones for this one, while Ibrahima Konate wasn’t seen in training yesterday. So, speaking in his pre-match press conference today, the manager shared the availability of both.
Jurgen Klopp gives Liverpool injury update
It has felt like a slow process for the likes of Jones coming back to fitness. The Scouser’s last game for Liverpool was now six weeks ago.
And according to Klopp, he’s still not completely sure that Curtis will be ready to play against Brighton. However, there was good news in that the 23-year-old is at least set to re-join training today.
“Curtis, not sure if he’s available [for Sunday], but he will be in training today” said the manager, before updating on the rest of his injured players.
“Ibou, extra rest day [yesterday], nothing else. Robbo we’ll see day by day. He will not train today but it’s not as bad [as feared].
“The other boys from next week on, step by step. They will join parts of team training, we will see what we do. None are close to team training but they all make their steps, its all positive.”
Let’s cross our fingers that Jones reacts well to training and is ready to compete at the weekend.
What could Liverpool’s midfield look like vs Brighton
As things stand, Jones is the only one of Liverpool’s senior midfielders out injured, other than long-term absentees Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago Alcantara.
So, should the academy graduate make it, Klopp will have the choice of picking his very best midfield for the first time in a long while.
Along with Jones, the only one not to be away on international duty this week has been Ryan Gravenberch. As a result, we’d be tempted to stick the Dutchman back in on Sunday.
Meanwhile, all of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott have played significant game time over recent days. Wataru Endo got a little break having only featured once for Japan, and should therefore start against Brighton.
As for the final slot, there’s no need to rush Curtis back. Macca or Dom can complete the trio.