Liverpool have enjoyed a perfect start to the new season.
Three wins from three, including a stunning Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick against Arsenal, have put the Reds on top of the Premier League table.
But ahead of their trip to Turf Moor on Sunday, Arne Slot has been hit with a setback.
Squad depth has been one of Liverpool’s early strengths, yet an important figure in midfield will be unavailable for the Premier League champions after picking up a problem in the last outing.
Slot revealed the news in his press conference, explaining:
“Curtis Jones, of course, I don’t know if you knew, but he got injured in the last game, so he will not be available for the game against Burnley.”
It is a blow for the manager, but there was at least some good news elsewhere.
Right-back Jeremie Frimpong has been seen back in training after his hamstring injury on opening day. This raises hopes he could return soon. Until then, Szoboszlai has filled in wonderfully.
Further up the pitch, the story is different. Deadline-day signing Alexander Isak could be in line for his debut.
The £125m forward from Newcastle United has already featured briefly for Sweden during the international break, but Slot has urged patience.
“Don’t expect him every single game 90 minutes on the pitch – that’s definitely not going to happen in the upcoming weeks.
He missed a proper pre-season, I think he missed three or four months of team sessions, so now we have to build him up gradually… we’ve signed him not only for the upcoming two weeks, we’ve signed him, I think, for six years.”
For Liverpool fans, the message is loud and clear. Jones will miss out, Isak will be eased in, and Slot will continue to manage his squad carefully as the fixtures pile up.
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