Curtis Jones Injury Update: Liverpool Star Could Miss Crucial PSG Champions League Tie – Latest Timeline Revealed

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones faces a race against time to prove his fitness for Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain after limping out of the 3-0 victory at Fulham with a groin problem midway through the weekend’s match at Craven Cottage. Manager Arne Slot admitted post-game that he would be “surprised” to have the Academy graduate available, and club medical staff will continue to monitor swelling before allowing the 25-year-old to resume ball work. Why Jones’ absence matters • Engine-room creativity: Jones ranks second among Liverpool midfielders this season for progressive carries and expected assists per 90 minutes, metrics that Slot values in his high-tempo 4-3-3. • Tactical flexibility: The Scouser has started on the left of midfield, at No. 10 and even as an inverted winger, giving Liverpool options when pushing Trent Alexander-Arnold into central areas. • Home-grown quota: With fellow local product Conor Bradley already sidelined, losing Jones would leave Liverpool short of home-trained players for UEFA squad registration. Potential replacements vs PSG 1. Ryan Gravenberch – Offers ball-carrying power but not the same press resistance. 2. Harvey Elliott – Brings creativity but could leave Wataru Endo isolated in transitions. 3. Alexis Mac Allister deeper, Dominik Szoboszlai advanced – The configuration Slot used in December’s win over Manchester City. Transfer speculation intensifies Anfield Watch reported on Sunday night that Manchester City have sounded out Jones’ representatives ahead of a potential summer move, believing his contract situation – talks have stalled since January – could make him attainable if Liverpool look to refresh midfield options under incoming sporting director Richard Hughes. Sources close to the player insist he remains committed to his boyhood club, but City’s interest underlines the growing reputation he has forged since breaking into the first team in 2019. Injury timeline and return date • 11 April: Sustained groin strain vs Fulham, substituted at half-time. • 12 April: Initial scan shows Grade 1 tear; club lists him as “major doubt” for PSG. • 15 April: Earliest realistic return if he responds well to treatment; more likely to target the league trip to Brighton on 19 April. What it means for Liverpool’s season Jones’ dynamism has been central to Liverpool’s late-season resurgence, with the Reds unbeaten in his last nine league starts. Missing the creative midfielder for the PSG double-header could shift emphasis onto Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz for ball progression, while also putting additional defensive strain on Endo to screen Lionel Messi-led counters. Bottom line Curtis Jones’ groin injury arrives at the worst possible moment for Liverpool. Slot must now weigh up whether to gamble on the local star’s fitness against PSG or trust deputies to maintain momentum as the club chases a seventh European crown and a first Premier League title since 2020.