Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed in the aftermath of the 2-1 win over Lille in the Champions League that Curtis Jones was withdrawn because of an injury.
Goals from Mohamed Salah and Harvey Elliott fired the Reds to a seventh straight win in the league phase of the reformatted competition, securing a place in the top eight and automatic qualification for the knockout stages.
Liverpool’s other midfield starter, Dominik Szoboszlai, was also substituted during the game, with Wataru Endo introduced just after Lille’s equalizer.
But speaking after the game, Slot clarified the situation. “The idea was to take Ryan and Dom off at half-time but Curtis couldn’t continue, so Dom played a bit longer,” the Dutchman explained.
There was a moment in the game, he said let’s play for five and let’s see how it is. He then said he needs to come off.”
Slot will hope Jones is available for Liverpool’s next game, which comes on Saturday at home to Ipswich Town in the Premier League. Liverpool then faces PSV Eindhoven, Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur.
