Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones' latest injury setback has been described as 'devastating' by former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Paddy Kenny.
The Lowdown: Jones suffers injury setback
The Reds have been hurt badly by injuries to midfielders this season, with Thiago and Naby Keita arguably the most high-profile of those absentees.
One who has perhaps gone more under the radar is Jones, with the 21-year-old yet to play a single minute of Premier League action so far in 2022/23.
The Liverpool academy product has suffered a recurrence of a leg problem which has kept him out this season, with an extended spell on the sidelines now expected.
The Latest: Kenny laments Jones injury blow
Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny voiced his concerns for the Englishman after this setback and amid his lack of playing time.
The 44-year-old said:
"The latest injury is a devastating new blow for Curtis Jones. He will know that he could have missed a golden opportunity to establish himself."Liverpool have been decimated in midfield, with [Naby] Keita, [Alex] Oxlade-Chamberlain out all season, [Jordan] Henderson out with a hamstring injury and Thiago only just back. But, after the international break, Klopp will not be short of options, and the new signing Arthur will be up to speed. "Look how Harvey Elliott has established himself while all those senior stars have been injured. He has probably been Liverpool’s best midfielder this season. "Jones is also a big talent, but it won’t be easy getting in that side now with everyone fit. Fabinho and Thiago are the main men, and everyone else has to fit around them."
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The Verdict: Stop-start career
Jones is a gifted young footballer with a potentially big future, having sporadically shown glimpses of his talent in big games, but at the moment his Liverpool career simply can't get any momentum.
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Some lengthy injuries have prevented him from being considered a regular starter and he is now in danger of falling behind both Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho in the midfield pecking order, given how impressively those two have performed of late.
Once Jones returns to fitness, he must seize his opportunity and remain injury-free for a long period, or else talk over his long-term value to Liverpool could emerge.