Curtis Jones Faces Critical Moment in Liverpool Journey
Liverpool came out of the international break with fresh concerns after Arne Slot confirmed that Florian Wirtz and Conor Bradley will miss the Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest. The manager stated that both players are unavailable, with Bradley expected to be out for up to three weeks across seven fixtures, whilst Wirtz struggles with a minor issue.
Those absences leave Liverpool reshuffling key positions once again. Slot has already leaned on Dominik Szoboszlai as both a No10 and an emergency right-back this season. The team have looked sharper when the Hungary captain plays centrally, and it now appears Slot will return him to attacking midfield at the City Ground.
Jones Positioned for Forest Start
With right-back now open, attention turns to Curtis Jones. Whilst Slot could risk Joe Gomez or Calvin Ramsay at right-back, deploying Jones there could be a logicak option.
It would be an unconventional assignment but also a timely opportunity. Jones has made only two Premier League starts this season and is fighting to regain momentum at club and international level. According to Anfield Watch, “Thomas Tuchel is set to make a call regarding Jones’ participation at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.” A strong run of games could place him back in England’s midfield conversation after being overtaken by Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.
Contract Stakes Grow in Importance
Beyond selection, there is a wider narrative unfolding. Jones’ contract expires in 2027 and talks have remained surprisingly quiet. While negotiations for Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch are said to be progressing, Anfield Watch emphasise that “it’s important for Jones not to be forgotten about.”
Performances like his displays at Newcastle and Eintracht Frankfurt have shown his value, yet the pathway to a regular midfield place remains competitive. Nottingham Forest may therefore become more than a stopgap chance, instead a significant audition at a critical stage in his Liverpool career.
Opportunity That Cannot Be Missed
Jones knows this is the moment to make a statement. A run of minutes at right-back could reframe his importance to Slot, strengthen his England chances and bring clarity to his long-term future. Liverpool have relied on versatility from academy graduates before and this feels like another chapter in that tradition.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
A lot of Liverpool fans will find this report infuriating because it once again places Curtis Jones in a position that feels improvised rather than planned. Supporters appreciate the quality he brings but are exhausted by how often his role changes. Seeing him shifted to right-back, even temporarily, only reinforces the feeling that his career rhythm at Liverpool never quite settles.
Fans will also be uneasy about the silence surrounding his contract. When midfielders like Szoboszlai and Gravenberch are already in discussions for new deals, it sends a message that Jones is not currently a priority. That is a frustration for supporters who believe he has repeatedly stepped up in big matches and deserves clearer backing.
There is also scepticism about how this impacts England ambitions. Playing out of position might get him minutes but may not convince Thomas Tuchel that he is ready to reclaim a midfield spot. Many fans think the club should be giving him starts in his natural role instead of using him to patch up injuries.
If Jones performs well at Forest, the narrative will shift. If he struggles, the noise will only grow louder. Supporters simply want clarity, consistency and a defined pathway for a player who has been part of Liverpool’s identity since his academy days.
