Liverpool’s forgotten man sends Jurgen Klopp a timely reminder to break into the top four

The Reds have had a tough season so far, but all hope is not lost in the race for Champions League qualification and Jürgen Klopp could have another trick up his sleeve.

Jürgen Klopp may have to call on a forgotten figure to sort out some of his midfield woes at Liverpool after Curtis Jones excelled for England Under-21s.

The Reds academy graduate has failed to make any significant impression at Anfield this season, having so far made just seven league appearances over the course of the season. While part of this was due to injuries, Jones was also overlooked on multiple occasions after falling down the pecking order of midfield.

There have been numerous instances lately where Jones has failed to make the matchday squad, let alone come off the bench. His last full 90 minutes in the Premier League came in October last year, during a 1-0 defeat at newly promoted Nottingham Forest. With that in mind, his performance for the Three Lions Under-21 side against France on Saturday night could make Klopp sit up and take notice as Liverpool prepare for the final quarter of the season.

Jones managed to provide an assist for Chelsea ace Noni Madueke before the Blues winger returned the favor two minutes later to help the Liverpool man into the goalscoring charts himself.

It’s the kind of performance from Jones that should give Klopp plenty to think about and perhaps make him desperate to bolster Liverpool’s midfield options next season.

The six-time European champions have been adamantly linked with a move for Chelsea ace Mason Mount which would surely send a clear message to Jones regarding his own future at Anfield.

Last month, Jones explained how his ambitions had changed this season as a disappointing campaign continued individually and collectively. He told ECHO: “For me personally, the start of the season was all about goals and assists. Now I’m at the point where I want to stay fit, I want to play as many games as possible and I want have the greatest possible impact on the team.

“You have to learn the defensive part of the game, which was difficult for me because I like to be attacking. I got to a point where I found a balance to put my game in place.”

Since those comments, Jones has only played five minutes of football in all competitions. He was featured in the final blow of the stunning 7-0 win over bitter rivals Manchester United. Liverpool are currently sixth in the table, seven points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, who have played two more games. Jones could still play an important role as we approach the end of the business season.

Also…

Phil Foden’s latest injury: what happened, news from Manchester City, Liverpool’s availability and ten games played…

Phil Foden has undergone surgery for acute appendicitis in London, Manchester City confirmed in a statement this weekend.

The England international was absent from Gareth Southgate’s squad this week, but he fell ill in training on Saturday and has since been operated on in a London hospital.

Foden is now entering a period of rehabilitation in the North West, hoping to recover as soon as possible in order to be available to Pep Guardiola’s squad as soon as possible in what is likely to be a decisive month for Manchester City’s season.

Here’s everything you need to know about Phil Foden’s injury. What happened?

Phil Foden underwent surgery for acute appendicitis this weekend after falling ill after training in England on Saturday.

The 22-year-old’s surgery took place in London after he relieved himself of international duties in England, and he will now return to Manchester to continue his recovery from the surgery and the overall process.

What did Manchester City say?

A statement from the Premier League champions on Sunday afternoon read:

“Manchester City can confirm that Phil Foden has left the England squad following surgery in London for acute appendicitis. Phil will now return to Manchester to begin his rehabilitation.

“He will not be fit for the Premier League game at home to Liverpool this weekend and it is currently unclear how long he will be out.

“Everyone at Manchester City wishes Phil a speedy recovery.”

How many games could Phil Foden lose?

Phil Foden has already been confirmed to miss two games in all competitions, with England set to face Ukraine in Euro 2024 qualifiers and Manchester City facing Liverpool in the second leg of domestic football on Saturday afternoon.

According to the official guidelines for acute appendicitis, Phil Foden “should be able to function normally within a few weeks.”

However, it does state that Foden “may need to avoid more strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks following open surgery.”

Depending on Phil Foden’s injury time, these are the games he could miss right now:

Recovery in two weeks means he would miss:

Liverpool (H), Premier League

Southampton (A), Premier League

Recovery in four weeks means he would also miss:

Bayern Munich (H), UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg

Leicester City (H), Premier League

Bayern Munich (A), UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg

Sheffield United (N), FA Cup semi-final

Recovery in six weeks means they also lack:

Arsenal (H), Premier League

Fulham (A), Premier League

West Ham (H), Premier League

Leeds United (H), Premier League

Pep Guardiola is expected to provide more detailed analysis and an update on the situation at Manchester City’s pre-match press conference against Liverpool this Friday afternoon.

Also…

Liverpool on course for over £97m Star Jurgen Klopp is eyeing ahead of next season

Liverpool are looking for a new central defender this summer and Jürgen Klopp is pushing for RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol.

The Croatia defender is one of Europe’s most sought-after defenders following his impact in Leipzig and two very impressive campaigns at the World Cup and EURO 2020.

According to The Times, the 21-year-old has a £97million release clause in his contract which will be activated in 2024 and expires in the summer of 2027. As such, the Bundesliga club could ask for more than £100million this summer for the young defender.

Football Insider reports that Liverpool are in the running to sign Gvardiol, but it’s hard to imagine that happening if the Reds also want Jude Bellingham. The report says Jurgen Klopp is urging the Liverpool board to invest heavily this summer and the German manager wants Gvardiol as the Reds are set to let go of one of their current defensive stars this summer.

The Merseyside club will face competition from Man United, Man City and Real Madrid for the Croatian star – two of those clubs are also in the running for Jude Bellingham.