Arne Slot confirms Curtis Jones will be back for the Merseyside derby | OneFootball

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Curtis Jones will return in time for the Merseyside derby at Anfield, handing them a crucial boost ahead of this massive fixture.

The midfielder missed the win over Burnley and was absent from training before the Reds’ Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.

Jones picked up the knock as Liverpool beat Arsenal before the international break. Fans were worried that he would not be available for the derby.

However, Slot reassured fans that the 24-year-old’s injury is not a long-term setback and that he is on track to feature against Everton.

“Curtis picked up something in the Arsenal game, so we had to leave him out at Burnley,” Slot said (via journalist James Pearce).

“It wasn’t serious, but we wanted to make sure he recovered properly. He will be back for the derby.”

Jones has grown into a key presence under Slot, offering drive in midfield while also balancing the Reds’ pressing game. His energy is expected to be vital when Liverpool face their city rivals.

Elsewhere, record signing Alexander Isak continues to build fitness and could finally be in line for his Liverpool debut.

The Swedish striker was left out at Turf Moor, with Slot insisting he needs time after missing four months of training earlier this year.

With Atletico up next, Isak may be eased in before taking centre stage at Anfield in the weeks ahead.

Hugo Ekitke will likely lead the line versus Los Colchoneros, with the former Newcastle United man featuring off the bench.

Meanwhile, Alexis Mac Allister is being closely monitored after hobbling off against Burnley.

The Argentine midfielder trained on Monday, but Liverpool will not risk him if there is any lingering discomfort.