'He said': Arne Slot shares what Curtis Jones told him about his injury just before being subbed off tonight
Yesterday at 06:15 PM
Liverpool booked their place in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League with a 2-1 win against Lille at Anfield.
The Reds have now won each of their seven games in the competition and lead the way in the group table, although they still need a point against PSV Eindhoven on matchday eight to guarantee top spot.
Mohamed Salah broke the deadlock with a fantastic finish in the first half, but Jonathan David restored parity for the visitors after the interval.
However, Harvey Elliott came on as a substitute for Liverpool to win the game for his side with a deflected effort.
In what was the only sour note in an otherwise happy outing for the Reds, Curtis Jones was substituted at halftime with a suspected injury.
And Arne Slot has shared what the England international told him before being taken off.
Arne Slot provides update on Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones
Jones was chosen to start in midfield as he partnered Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai in the centre of the park.
The young Scouser showed his class with a fantastic assist for Salah and was heavily involved in the game in the first half as he made his opportunity count.
However, just before the interval, Jones was spotted pointing to his right leg and didn’t come on for the second half as he was replaced by Elliott.
Slot says Jones felt something in his foot and wanted to carry on, although he signaled moments later that he wouldn’t be able to see out the rest of the game, which led to his substitution ahead of the second half.
The Dutchman said in his post-match press conference: “There was a moment in the game and he said ‘Let’s play for five more minutes and see how it is’ but he said he had to go off at half-time.”
Liverpool sweating over Jones’ fitness
With Diogo Jota and Joe Gomez already sidelined, Liverpool will hope their injury list doesn’t grow any further after Jones’ latest setback.
The nature of his injury remains unclear, but judging by Slot’s comments, he appears to have taken a knock, which wouldn’t sideline him for a long time.
Liverpool face Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Saturday and it remains to be seen if the England international is fit enough for that game.
The Reds have options in midfield and Jones isn’t likely to start that game anyway, but Slot will hope the 23-year-old returns to full fitness in the coming days to have him in the squad on Saturday.
