Liverpool are back in Premier League action this weekend after a three-week break.
Thankfully, the international break has given fans the time they needed to ease the pain of their last game – the last-gasp FA Cup defeat against Manchester United. It’s now almost time to get back out there. Brighton are the visitors to Anfield.
Another benefit of the pause in play has been that it’s given Liverpool’s raft of injured players more time in their recoveries. Click here for a reminder of exactly who’s missing just now and where they’re up to in terms of returning.
Of course, no international break is complete without an injury to one of Jurgen Klopp’s first-team. This time it was Andy Robertson being struck down, and that will be a concern ahead of Sunday’s match. In Kostas Tsimikas, Liverpool have an able deputy for Robertson, though.
The Scotsman aside, the Reds should be in a better place than they were two weeks ago. Klopp is even hoping that one player will make a long-awaited return to the fold.
Curtis Jones hoping for injury return
Despite Ryan Gravenberch coming back from his own injury just before the break, Liverpool are still missing some big players.
Alisson Becker doesn’t appear especially close to a return, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to be back sooner, but not just yet.
Diogo Jota is another currently on the treatment table and how Liverpool have missed his ruthlessness in-front of goal over recent weeks.
But, while we wait for positive news on that key trio, we have at least been given some on Curtis Jones.
The update comes from The Times, who claim that Klopp has been ‘hoping’ that Jones will be ready for the match-day squad on Sunday.
Having not played since February 17th, the 23-year-old has missed a decent chunk of action. Fingers crossed he doesn’t miss any more beyond Sunday. As Harvey Elliott claimed earlier this season, Jones has been ‘unbelievable’ this year. It’ll be nice to have him back.
What about Liverpool’s other injured players
The Times do actually add a little line about both Alexander-Arnold and Jota, as well as Jones.
It’s claimed that although they won’t be ready for this weekend, and probably the midweek visit of Sheffield United, the pair could ‘realistically’ be fit to play against Manchester United a week on Sunday.
There’s a mention for Alisson, Thiago Alcantara and Ben Doak, too. However, all that’s said is that the three players ‘remain sidelined’ for now. Joel Matip is the final player to be name-checked, with the 32-year-old’s season said to be over.
Let’s hope to see Curtis at some point on Sunday, then.