Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones is set to sit out Saturday’s encounter against Bournemouth at Anfield after sustaining an ankle injury.
The Athletic reports that the England under-21 international picked up the knock during training after twisting his ankle and will miss the clash against Andoni Iraola’s side.
It is unclear how long Jones will be sidelined, but the Reds are hopeful he will return in time for their clash against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Sunday.
The 22-year-old represented England at the just concluded U21 European Championship tournament, scoring once as Lee Carsley’s side raced to the title in Georgia.
He got ample playing time during pre-season but started Liverpool’s Premier League opener against top-four rivals Chelsea on the bench.
Jones got a taste of the action after replacing Cody Gakpo in the second half of the 1-1 draw and was impressive during his 24-minute cameo.
His injury will come as a blow to Jurgen Klopp, who is already thin on midfield options ahead of Saturday’s encounter in Merseyside.
Having lost several experienced figures in midfield this summer, Klopp was forced to field a starting line-up that was notably missing a holding midfielder.
Summer signing Alexis Mac Allister excelled in the deeper role at Stamford Bridge and could be handed a similar responsibility at the weekend.
Liverpool were dominated by Chelsea, who won the battle in the middle of the park, but Klopp’s side came away from the hostile territory with a vital point.
The German will hope his makeshift midfield repels a Bournemouth side billed to be this season’s surprise package following their transfer market activity.
Liverpool announced the signing of Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo earlier today in what is widely described as a desperate attempt to reinforce their midfield.
Klopp was quick to defend the 30-year-old midfielder during his press conference but admitted the club are still in the market for more recruits.
Endo will be eager to prove doubters wrong, but the Bournemouth clash may come too soon for the Japanese international, who is yet to obtain a work permit.
