Title race blow: Liverpool now suffer big injury setback, Klopp surely gutted - opinion

Liverpool suffered yet another injury blow after Curtis Jones was brought off in their game against Watford with a twisted ankle.

The Reds briefly moved top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win over the relegation struggling Hornets but after Manchester City’s victory, they still remain a point behind in the race for the title.

While manager Jurgen Klopp will be delighted with the victory, an injury to a key squad member is not what he needs during a packed run-in of fixtures.

The German coach ‘doesn’t know’ the severity of the injury but will be hoping he’s not out for long.

Jones has been at Liverpool all his career and being from Merseyside the 21- year old has achieved his dream being regularly involved at his boyhood club.

Despite only making 13 appearances this season, Klopp has labelled the Englishman’s potential as “exceptional.”

Squad depth has been an issue for Liverpool in the past and when they are going head to head with a City side that has talent in numbers, losing another face, particularly in midfield, is not ideal and is sure to leave the manager gutted.

While the Reds can rely on the trio of Fabinho, Henderson and Thiago, when it comes to their bench Jones is a vital addition.

Indeed, he offers youthful exuberance while possessing a range of qualities that rank among the best in Europe.

He is in the top 1% of players in his position across the continent’s top-five leagues for progressive carries per 90 at 9.15 and in the top 5% for dribbles per 90 at 1.59. None of the club’s other central players possesses those qualities so to lose him is a seismic blow.

There have been claims that Liverpool could look to loan out the youngster to get him more game time but they would have to make sure they bring in a