Jurgen Klopp's injury update on Curtis Jones provides reason for optimism

Jurgen Klopp has hinted that Curtis Jones' substitution in Sunday's 4-0 win over Bournemouth was a pre-cautionary one, with the player mitigating the risk of further problems.

The midfielder departed the pitch to be replaced by Bobby Clark on 83 minutes, after sustaining an apparent hamstring issue.

The sight was a concerning one for Liverpool fans, with Jones developing into an increasingly key player for the Reds in recent weeks.

The number 17 has scored four times in his last seven outings in all competitions, while the all-round balance he brings to the engine room has seen him become Klopp's preferred starter on the left of the midfield three, when available.

Speaking after the away win at Bournemouth, Klopp expressed his 'hope' that Jones' complaint was a minor one.

He said: “We all hope [it’s OK], and Curtis as well.

“He felt a little bit, he had last week already a little bit but then nothing was there.

“Curtis, the very experienced player, thought ‘it’s 3-0, why should I risk it?’ – I hope that’s exactly how it was.”

Liverpool next face Fulham at Craven Cottage, in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final this Wednesday. That fixture is followed by a home tie against Championship side Norwich in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.

The Reds round off the month by taking on Chelsea in the Premier League at Anfield (31 January), while there is also a trip to Arsenal coming up (4 February).

Jones' fitness doubt aside, the Reds are currently without as many as ten first-team stars through injury or international duty.

Klopp recently revealed that Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson and Dominik Szoboszlai are all 'close' to returns, while Mohamed Salah is set to return to Merseyside to get treatment on the injury he suffered while playing for Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.