Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has been confirmed as unavailable for the 2021/22 season curtain-raiser against Norwich City on Saturday.
The 20-year-old will miss the trip to Carrow Road after sustaining a concussion on Monday in the final pre-season friendly clash with Osasuna at Anfield.
Jones was involved in two collisions in quick succession and left the field to be replaced by Ben Woodburn following treatment for a blow to the face.
Journalist David Lynch confirmed Jones’ absence on Twitter on Wednesday as the Reds prepare to win back their Premier League title from Manchester City.
Twitter: Curtis Jones out of #LFC’s opening game of the season at Norwich City after sustaining a concussion against Osasuna on Monday. (@dmlynch)
Jurgen Klopp described the diagnosis as a ‘slight concussion’ and that the club were following protocol by leaving the England Under 21 international out.
Jones enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence last season when the Scouse attacking midfielder made 34 appearances across all competitions – contributing four goals and five assists in the process.
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Already a Merseyside derby hero, there is no doubt the academy graduate could be the next in a long list of success stories from the Kirkby production line.
Whether there was a place in the starting lineup for Jones this week is up for debate, although with Thiago and Jordan Henderson unlikely to feature from the outset there was certainly opportunities up for grabs.
An incredibly versatile operator, Klopp will certainly be calling on the flamboyant midfield ace during the upcoming campaign.
