Liverpool are entering a crucial period under Arne Slot, with pressure and scrutiny mounting as their ambitions across three competitions hang in the balance.
The Reds return to Premier League action on Saturday following their qualification for the Champions League, but face a growing selection headache as Newcastle United visit Anfield this evening.
Jeremie Frimpong has sustained a concerning hamstring injury and will miss the clash against Eddie Howe’s side.
The Dutchman joins an already lengthy injury list, with Giovanni Leoni (ACL) and Conor Bradley (knee) also sidelined, while striker Alexander Isak remains unavailable.
In recent weeks, Ibrahima Konate has been absent for personal reasons following the death of his father, while Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones were both missing from Liverpool’s recent win over Qarabag.
Gomez is expected to remain unavailable for the visit of the Magpies, although Konate and Jones are back in contention.
However, the Liverpool midfielder has also been the subject of surprise transfer speculation in the past 24 hours.
Inter Milan are reportedly considering an unexpected move for Jones. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Serie A giants are exploring a loan deal for the England international, with an obligation to buy included.
Inter are assessing their options amid uncertainty over Davide Frattesi, who has been strongly linked with a move to Nottingham Forest.
Despite the reports, the Liverpool Echo claims that the Merseyside club have no intention of sanctioning any departures from Arne Slot’s squad during the current transfer window.
Curtis Jones has made 29 appearances across all competitions this season, registering one assist.
His versatility has been a key asset, with the academy graduate featuring in multiple central midfield roles and even deputising at right-back when required.
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