Curtis Jones
INT
Draws first start against Real Madrid
Jones had three shots (one on goal), one takcle (one won) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat against Real Madrid.
Analysis: Jones was pretty bubbly offensively but contributed to an early costly giveaway on the other end in the first few minutes of the game. He'll have to produce consistently to earn a bigger role. He has recorded at least one shot and one tackle in his three outings, racking up five (one on target) and four (three won), respectively, and adding one chance created and three crosses (zero accurate) in that span.
Completes Inter switch
Jones has transferred from Liverpool to Inter.
Analysis: Jones finalized his anticipated move and will look for more consistent minutes in Milan after being a rotational piece for the past few seasons at Liverpool, but he'll face competition especially from Piotr Zielinski and Petar Sucic. He tallied 24 shots (eight on target), 23 key passes and 46 tackles in 43 appearances (22 starts) last year, scoring once and assisting twice.
Won't play vs. Newcastle
Jones has been dealing with a hip injury but won't be an option for Sunday's game against Newcastle United since he's set to complete a transfer to Inter Milan. "Curtis is a good player but I understood this. He is coming for some years in the same situation, so I knew from that moment it was a situation that could happen, and it looks like it's going to happen" Andoni Iraola said.
Analysis: Jones won't be an option for the EPL opener due to his impending transfer to Inter Milan, and while the deal hasn't been completed yet, all signs point to the midfielder joining the Serie A giants in the coming days. With that uncertainty and the lingering hip injury, Jones won't be an option for the Reds in this EPL opener at St. James' Park. Chances are Jones has already played his final game for Liverpool.
Still out, hip issue lingers
Jones (hip) remains out for Sunday's final preseason friendly against Como and is undergoing an individual session at the AXA Training Centre, according to Ian Doyle.
Analysis: Jones had taken part in an intense training session earlier in the week, an encouraging sign at the time, but this continued absence suggests the hip issue hasn't fully cleared up as hoped. His situation, tied to both the injury and ongoing transfer speculation this summer, remains complicated by his limited role last season, when he made 34 Premier League appearances but only 18 as a starter, contributing more through tidy possession and defensive work, 40 tackles and 18 interceptions, than a modest goal and two assists. Liverpool open the season against Newcastle on Aug. 23, and Jones is expected to be reassessed as his hip issue continues to be monitored.
Takes part in intense session
Jones (hip) took part in an intense training session Thursday, according to the club.
Analysis: Jones had been held out of the earlier friendly against Monaco as a precaution, with new coach Andoni Iraola previously saying the hip issue didn't look anything big but did not make sense to risk. His involvement in this higher intensity session is an encouraging sign that he has moved past the injury, positioning him to be available for Liverpool's next friendly on August 16 against Como.
Not risked, should be fine
Jones (hip) was held out against Monaco on Sunday to be cautious, but should still return soon, according to manager Andoni Iraola. "Curtis [Jones], he has trained every day but yesterday finished with issues in the hip. It doesn't look anything big, but it didn't make any sense to risk, and those are the ones, more or less, closer to a return."
Analysis: Jones was out Sunday for a friendly as he deals with a hip injury, an issue he just picked up yesterday to end training. However, the midfielder is expected to be fine and likely make a return soon, sat as more of a cautious move. That said, with another friendly coming Aug. 16, there is a decent chance he is fit by then.
Absent as precaution
Jones is out of Sunday's preseason friendly against Monaco due to a hip issue, as a precaution, according to Liverpool Echo.
Analysis: Jones' absence, tied to the hip discomfort, comes amid ongoing transfer speculation surrounding his future this summer, adding uncertainty to a situation already complicated by his role last season, when he made 34 Premier League appearances but only 18 as a starter, contributing more through tidy possession and defensive work, 40 tackles and 18 interceptions, than a modest goal and two assists. With new coach Andoni Iraola now in charge, his path to more consistent starts remains unclear even if he stays at the club, and Jones is expected to be reassessed as his hip issue is monitored.
Scores Sunday
Jones scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Brentford.
Analysis: Jones scored during a start at right-back to end the Premier League campaign. It's been a season to forget for Jones and the club as a whole, as they finished more than 20 points worse off than last season. Jones did get some chances in midfield, but largely deputized at right-back throughout the disappointing campaign. Jones finishes with one goal, two assists and 21 chances created in a career-high 1,930 minutes played.
Assists on lone chance
Jones assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-1 win against Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Jones created a single chance during Saturday's win, and that chance ended up in the back of the net. He's been excellent this season in a rotational role, playing in a variety of positions, but mostly in a box-to-box midfield role. It's unclear if Jones will manage to earn a larger role in the starting XI, or if he will remain a rotational option as long as he stays with Liverpool.
On bench Tuesday
Jones (groin) is on the bench for Tuesday's match against PSG.
Analysis: Jones is healthy enough for the bench Tuesday which is a good sign following a tweak in his muscle over the weekend. Assuming he keeps fitness, he'll be an option to start in league play for the Merseyside derby, though if Liverpool are knocked out of UCL, his playing time will likely dwindle to close the season as Liverpool won't have to rotate as much with fewer games.
Back in training Monday
Jones (groin) trained with the group Monday and could be an option for Tuesday's Champions League return leg against PSG, according to James Pearce from TheAthletic.
Analysis: Jones could be an option for Tuesday's Champions League return leg against PSG after training with the group Monday, having gone off with a groin issue in Saturday's clash against Fulham, though the injury appears minor. The midfielder has operated in a rotational role this season, starting 20 of his 40 appearances across all competitions, while competing with Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister for minutes in midfield.
Suffers groin injury against Fulham
Jones was forced off due to a groin issue in Saturday's 2-0 win over Fulham and is likely to miss the upcoming UCL clash with Paris Saint-Germain, with coach Arne Slot saying "He felt a little bit his groin. It wasn't the moment - he felt it already for a few minutes. So, let's hope for the best but I would be surprised if a player who comes off that he's available for Tuesday".
Analysis: Jones was unable to continue after the first 45 minutes of Saturday's match, which marked his second start over the last three games across all competitions. While the midfielder is now expected to spend at least a few days on the sidelines, both Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister came off the bench against Fulham and would provide solid replacement options for upcoming contests.
Mediocre off bench
Jones had one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Tuesday's 2-1 loss versus Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Jones came off the bench for the second half of Tuesday's loss and put together a mediocre showing. He wasn't particularly impressive and created just one chance while taking a single shot. The midfielder has gotten his chances in the starting XI and has been fine, but he certainly hasn't been a consistent difference maker.
Back available Saturday
Jones (illness) is back available for Saturday's clash against Newcastle after missing the last game due to illness, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "Curtis is again available. He was sick, as I said, but he is available."
Analysis: Jones missed Wednesday's win against Qarabag in the Champions League due to an illness he has now completely cleared, as he is an option for Saturday's clash against the Magpies. This is massive news for the Reds, since he is likely to find a starting spot at right back with Conor Bradley (knee) out for months and Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring) sidelined for some time.
Out due to illness
Jones was not in Liverpool's squad for the midweek Champions League clash with Qarabag because of an illness, James Pearce of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Jones wasn't available Wednesday but could aim to feature in upcoming league games if he's dealing with a minor ailment. He made his previous two appearances off the bench after delivering an assist in his last start on Jan. 17. While Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz are now ahead of him in the race for midfield spots, Jones may have a chance to be deployed at right-back if both Conor Bradley (knee) and Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring) remain absent.
Assists Saturday
Jones assisted once to go with two shots (zero on goal) and three chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Burnley.
Analysis: Jones set up Florian Wirtz for Liverpool's only goal during Saturday's clash, and with better finishing around him could have had at least one more assist. Jones was all action in the Burnley third, causing issues for the backline and running onto second balls repeatedly. Jones has earned more minutes as Liverpool cope without Mohamed Salah and with Alexis Mac Allister out of form.
Single shot in start
Jones registered one shot (one on goal) and two chances created in Thursday's 0-0 draw versus Leeds United.
Analysis: Jones got the start in holding midfield with Alexis Mac Allister falling to the bench Thursday. Jones has gotten more minutes of late, but hasn't been particularly efficient, at least going forward. This was his sixth start in a row in all competitions, seemingly beating Mac Allister out for a substantial role in recent weeks. Still, Jones has yet to tally a goal contribution in 17 Premier League appearances.
Single shot in win
Jones recorded one shot (one on goal) in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Inter Milan. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 73rd minute.
Analysis: Jones got the start on the wing in a 4-4-2 during Tuesday's win and was largely held quiet throughout the match. The midfielder didn't have much to do and struggled for impact. He did decently to recycle play but could never really make his mark. Jones should get more chances with Liverpool down to less than 15 senior players that are healthy.
Returns off bench
Jones registered one clearance in Tuesday's 1-0 victory against Real Madrid.
Analysis: Jones was an injury doubt coming into Tuesday's clash and was deemed fit enough to come off the bench. He didn't do much during his brief cameo though he made a nice clearance with his only touch. Jones should be a consistent depth option now that he's back fit and available.
Option off bench
Jones (undisclosed) is an option off the bench during Tuesday's clash with Real Madrid.
Analysis: Jones is available off the bench for Tuesday's clash. The midfielder returned to full team training Tuesday and is available as expected. He could be an option in attacking midfield or holding midfield, as he's filled in both positions in recent weeks.
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