Liverpool are preparing to take on Sheffield United in another big Premier League game tomorrow.
The Reds could be either first, second or third by the time their match kicks off at Anfield. With Manchester City and Arsenal likely to have won, the pressure will be on Liverpool slightly.
Despite that, you can’t see them having too much trouble against Sheffield United. The Blades, who’s manager Chris Wilder has praised Jurgen Klopp today, are rock bottom of the league table.
Furthermore, Liverpool should have one or two players back from injury. Curtis Jones looks set to return while Ibrahima Konate is also in line to start for the first time since March 7th.
And looking ahead to Thursday’s match, Klopp admitted that one player had been standing out to him in training this week.
Liverpool ready for Sheffield United test
Slowly but surely, Liverpool are finally getting their full squad back fit and available. The news that Jones is in contention to play tomorrow is absolutely brilliant.
The 23-year-old had been in great form before picking up an ankle injury against Brentford in February.
As well as costing him the chance to play in a first cup final for Liverpool, the knock also meant that Jones missed what may well have been a first England team call-up last month.
Nevertheless, Curtis is back now. And according to Klopp, the academy graduate has been looking superb in training since his return.
“Curtis was for us incredibly important,” says the manager. “He set the tone, he played an outstanding season until he got injured. He looks outstanding in training but let’s see how we can get him really there.
“In an ideal world is 15 to 20 minutes, then 30, a bit longer, whatever, and then we can build the body again for all these tough things coming up.”
Curtis Jones back in contention for Liverpool
As Klopp says, there’s no way that Jones will be ready to start for Liverpool just yet. Having missed the best part of two months, he’s going to need a little time.
But it really is great news to have the Scouser back and ready to contribute to the Reds’ title run-in.
Jones had just about nailed down his spot in Liverpool’s best XI when he got injured in February. Although others are now in good form, he’ll no doubt be back in there before too long.
That won’t be tomorrow unfortunately, but there’s still a chance for Jones to put his top work on the training pitch to good effect at Anfield on Thursday.