Liverpool travel to Turf Moor this Sunday to face newly-promoted Burnley, and even though it looks like a normal early-season Premier League clash, there is so much wrapped into this game for Arne Slot and his squad. The reigning champions are looking to continue their perfect start to the new campaign, and they go into the match with confidence, belief, and a squad that looks stronger than ever. But as always with Liverpool, there is a story behind the story. Only one player is expected to miss the game, but that one absence still leaves a gap in Slot’s plans, while at the same time, the return of another summer signing and the prospect of a high-profile debut gives this fixture extra layers of drama.
Curtis Jones is the only confirmed absentee for Liverpool, and while that might sound like good news on the surface, the timing of his setback is frustrating. The 24-year-old midfielder, who has been part of Liverpool’s journey for years and came through the academy with so much expectation, was not part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad during the international break. That was supposed to be a blessing in disguise, a chance for him to rest, recharge, and return fresh for club duty. Instead, in the last league fixture against Arsenal, which Liverpool won 1-0 in a tight battle at Anfield, Jones picked up an injury. It was not just a knock he could shake off. The scans confirmed it was enough to keep him out of action for at least a couple of weeks.
Arne Slot addressed the situation during his pre-match press conference, and he did not hide his disappointment. He said, “Curtis Jones, I don’t know if you knew, got injured in the last game. So he will not be available for the game against Burnley.” It was straight to the point, but in that short statement, you could feel the regret. Slot added that everyone else in the squad had returned from international duty without any major problems, which is not always the case. In fact, he pointed out how risky this period is for players. Early in the season, when players are still building up their rhythm, the sudden demand of playing two international matches in four or five days is a huge strain. It often leads to injuries, but this time Liverpool escaped without damage—except for Jones, whose setback came before the break.
That detail matters because Slot has been carefully trying to manage the balance of his squad. Jones, despite not being the biggest star in the lineup, has a role that is important in these types of games. Against Burnley, who will defend deep, scrap for every ball, and rely on energy and intensity to trouble Liverpool, having a midfielder like Jones who can carry the ball, hold possession, and break lines with his dribbling would have been useful. His absence leaves Slot with a small tactical headache, but luckily, the rest of his squad is fit and available.
The positive news comes from Jeremie Frimpong, the Dutch right-back who joined Liverpool in the summer. He was supposed to be one of the biggest signings of the season, a player who could revolutionise the right side of Liverpool’s play with his speed, attacking drive, and fearless crossing. But his Liverpool career started in the worst possible way. On the opening day of the Premier League season against Bournemouth, he suffered a hamstring injury. It was early in the game, and he limped off, leaving fans worried and disappointed. Weeks passed, and Liverpool had to adjust without him. Now, after careful recovery, Frimpong is finally back in full training, and reports suggest he is ready to be in the squad for the Burnley match.
For Slot, this is huge. He has been eager to unleash Frimpong in competitive matches, and Turf Moor could be the moment. The manager confirmed in his press conference that the player trained fully this week, showing no sign of discomfort, and that puts him in line to feature. Whether he starts or comes off the bench is another question, but just having him available again changes the dynamics of the squad. Liverpool’s right side has been a little predictable in recent weeks, with Trent Alexander-Arnold moving into midfield more often. Adding Frimpong into the mix gives Slot the option of explosive pace down the flank, something that can stretch Burnley’s defence.
Then there is the subplot of Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker, signed from Newcastle for a staggering £125 million, is the marquee arrival of Liverpool’s summer. The deal shocked the football world. Isak had been Newcastle’s hero, scoring goals, leading the line, and looking like a future legend at St James’ Park. But when Liverpool came calling, with the chance to play for the reigning champions, the lure was too strong. Newcastle fans felt betrayed, but Liverpool supporters were ecstatic. However, because of his late move and the limited training time he has had with his new teammates, his full debut is still in doubt.
Isak has been training with the squad since his arrival, but he has not had the full pre-season with Slot’s system. The manager is known for his tactical detail and how much he demands from his forwards in terms of pressing, movement, and combinations. Throwing Isak straight into the starting lineup against Burnley might be a risk. Yet the temptation is there. Slot admitted earlier this week that Isak is eager to play and prove himself. Whether that means he starts or comes off the bench as a weapon in the second half remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Liverpool fans want to see him in action.
So as the team travels to Burnley, the storylines are everywhere. Curtis Jones ruled out, Frimpong ready to return, Isak waiting for his moment. Arne Slot faces decisions that could shape not just this match, but the mood of the squad in the weeks ahead. Burnley, under Scott Parker, will not make things easy. They are newly-promoted, hungry, and eager to prove themselves in the top flight. Turf Moor is a tough place to go, with a passionate crowd and a team that plays without fear. Liverpool know they must be sharp, focused, and ready to grind if needed.
Slot, though, remains calm. He reminded everyone in his press conference how dangerous the early months of the season can be. “Especially at the beginning of the season where everybody comes from a different background, going to the national team where they then all of a sudden have to play two games in four or five days, which is always the biggest risk. In October, November and March they are much more used to that programme.” His words showed experience and awareness. He knows these small details often decide the course of a season. Keeping players fit, avoiding injuries, and rotating wisely is the hidden part of management that fans rarely see.
For Curtis Jones, the setback will be tough to accept. At 24, he is no longer the young academy prospect trying to break through. He is expected to deliver, to be reliable, and to take responsibility. Missing games through injury disrupts that rhythm. But if there is one thing fans know about Jones, it is his resilience. He has bounced back before, and he will aim to do so again. His absence might only be a couple of weeks, but in football, momentum is everything, and he will be desperate not to lose his place in Slot’s plans.
On the other side, Jeremie Frimpong’s return feels like the opposite—a fresh start, a new chapter waiting to open. The fans are excited, Slot is excited, and the player himself has been itching to get going. If he makes his debut at Turf Moor, even as a substitute, it could be the beginning of something special. The sight of him bombing down the right wing, linking up with Salah or whoever Slot fields, is exactly what Liverpool supporters have been dreaming about since his signing.
And then comes Alexander Isak, the headline act. For him, the stage is set. Even if he only plays 20 or 30 minutes, the eyes of the football world will be watching. Every touch, every movement, every shot will be analysed. He left Newcastle to become a superstar at Liverpool, and Turf Moor might be the first step in that journey.
As the countdown to Sunday continues, the mood inside Liverpool’s camp is one of quiet confidence. They are champions, they are strong, and they are determined. Burnley will test them, no doubt, but with only one player missing, with Frimpong back, and with Isak ready, this feels like the beginning of another chapter in Liverpool’s story under Arne Slot.
And when the players step out onto that pitch, with the away fans singing loud and proud, the narrative will write itself. Liverpool chasing perfection, Burnley chasing respect, and somewhere in between lies the truth of this season
