Liverpool receives injury boost ahead of PSG clash after Arne Slot concern

Liverpool held an open training session on Monday morning ahead of the Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, and Arne Slot’s preparations were boosted by the return of Curtis Jones

Liverpool FC News

Michael Plant Liverpool FC Reporter

The latest from Liverpool training ahead of the PSG Champions League clash

Liverpool received an injury boost on Monday ahead of the Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Reds head into the quarter-final second leg trailing 2-0 from last week’s meeting in Paris, and a monumental response will be needed to overturn the deficit against the European champions.

But Liverpool’s preparations were hit with a setback when Curtis Jones sustained a knock in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Fulham. The midfielder dropped to the ground in the latter stages of the first-half and, while he managed to struggle through to the interval, was replaced by Ryan Gravenberch at the interval.

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“He felt a little bit his groin,” Slot said after the game. “It wasn’t in the moment. He felt it a bit for a few minutes, so let’s hope for the best. I would be surprised if a player comes off that he is available for Tuesday.

“I would almost say welcome to our season. Every time after a win or something good happens, there is always an injury following. But it’s a win, and that’s what we should be very happy with.”

However, Jones’ chances of playing against PSG were boosted after the central midfielder took part in training at Kirby on Monday morning.

Jones picked up an injury during Saturday’s win over PSG

The full group trained as expected at the AXA Training Centre, including Alexander Isak, who came off the bench in both games last week and made his first appearances in nearly four months.

But Jones was able to join his team-mates in training on Monday morning, seemingly allaying any injury fears as he pushes for minutes against PSG. A start was always unlikely for Jones, but minutes off the bench is a possibility.

Elsewhere, Giorgi Mamardashvili will continue in goal, with Alisson Becker still not fit enough to play. Slot said of Alisson: “But he’s working very hard on his recovery, so we hope to have him back in the near future. But he doesn’t train with the team yet, so he will not be performing [on] Tuesday.”

Jeremie Frimpong had a torrid time last week, so Dominik Szoboszlai could be drafted in at right-back to take on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, leaving Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Alisster as the midfield two behind Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz and, potentially, Ngumoha.

Gravenberch, Jones and captain Virgil van Dijk are all one yellow card away from being suspended for any semi-final first leg.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Ekitike

Doubts: Jones

Injured: Alisson, Endo, Leoni, Bradley

Time and date: 8pm on Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Venue: Anfield

How to watch: Amazon Prime

Arsenal have been handed a huge advantage in the title race as Manchester City are hit with a significant points deduction, which has got them to an unimaginable position in the Premier League this season.

In a seismic development that has sent shockwaves through English football, Manchester City have been found guilty on the vast majority of their 115 Premier League charges and slapped with a staggering points deduction that has dramatically altered the 2025/26 title race. Arsenal, who were already leading the table, now find themselves with a commanding and potentially insurmountable points margin as the season enters its decisive final phase.



According to the long-awaited verdict delivered by the independent commission, Manchester City have been deducted 40 points effective immediately for systematic breaches of financial rules spanning nearly a decade. The punishment, one of the most severe in Premier League history, comes after years of investigation into allegations of improper sponsorship deals, inflated revenues, and failures to provide accurate financial information. City, who had vigorously denied the charges and fought the case at every turn, now sit in a precarious mid-table position that threatens not only their title hopes but also their Champions League qualification for next season.



As of Monday, April 13, 2026, the Premier League table has been transformed overnight. Arsenal sit proudly at the summit with 70 points from 32 matches, boasting a goal difference of +38. Manchester City, who had been their closest challengers with 64 points from 31 games prior to the deduction, have plummeted to 24 points and find themselves in 10th place, suddenly battling for a European spot rather than fighting for the crown. This 46-point swing has effectively handed Mikel Arteta’s side a massive advantage, turning what was a tense two-horse race into a procession for the Gunners.

The news broke late on Sunday evening, sending social media into meltdown and sparking immediate reactions from players, fans, and pundits across the country. Arsenal supporters celebrated wildly, with many taking to the streets near the Emirates Stadium in spontaneous scenes of joy. For years, the narrative has been dominated by City’s financial dominance and their ability to assemble superstar squads, but this verdict has been hailed by many as a long-overdue levelling of the playing field.

Premier League officials confirmed the deduction following months of hearings. The commission found City guilty on 98 of the 115 charges, citing repeated violations of profitability and sustainability rules (PSR), disguised owner funding through sponsorships, and non-cooperation during the investigation. While a full 60-point deduction had been speculated in some circles, the final sanction of 40 points reflects a balance between the severity of the breaches and precedents set by previous cases involving Everton and Nottingham Forest. City have already announced their intention to appeal the decision, but the immediate impact on the current campaign is devastating.

Mikel Arteta, speaking at a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures, tried to maintain focus but could not hide his satisfaction. “This is not about us celebrating someone else’s misfortune,” he said. “We have worked incredibly hard to reach this position on the pitch. The players deserve huge credit for putting us where we are. Now we must finish the job.” Arteta’s squad, featuring stars like Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres, Declan Rice, and William Saliba, has been in sensational form, winning 21 of their 32 league games and looking increasingly unstoppable.

For Manchester City, the mood is one of anger and disbelief. Manager Pep Guardiola, who has guided the club to multiple titles during their dominant era, described the punishment as “disproportionate and unfair.” In a fiery press conference, he insisted the club would fight the verdict “to the end” and maintained that his players should not be punished for off-field matters. However, with the points already removed from the table, City’s season has been thrown into chaos.

They now trail leaders Arsenal by a colossal 46 points and sit just four points above the relegation zone, though their superior goal difference offers some buffer.

The implications stretch far beyond this season. A successful appeal could see points reinstated, but legal experts suggest the process could drag on for months or even years, leaving next season’s planning in limbo. Several key players are reportedly unsettled, with agents already exploring options elsewhere should City’s European exile become a reality. Sponsors and commercial partners are also monitoring the situation closely, aware that a tarnished reputation could affect long-term deals.

Football finance experts have been quick to weigh in. Kieran Maguire, a prominent analyst, noted that the scale of the breaches — covering inflated sponsorship revenues from companies linked to the Abu Dhabi ownership — justified a heavy sanction. “This isn’t a minor accounting error,” he said. “This was a sustained attempt to circumvent the rules that were designed to protect the competitive balance of the league. The 40-point deduction sends a strong message.”

Arsenal fans, who have waited over two decades for a Premier League title since their last triumph under Arsene Wenger in 2004, sense destiny is calling. The Gunners have been consistent challengers under Arteta, finishing second in recent seasons but falling short at the final hurdle. This points swing has transformed their outlook from hopeful to overwhelming favourites, with bookmakers slashing odds on an Arsenal title win to near-certainty.

The reaction from rival clubs has been mixed. Liverpool, currently in third, expressed sympathy for City’s players but welcomed any move that promotes fair competition. Chelsea and Manchester United, both with their own financial histories, remained largely silent, though fans online were far less restrained, with memes and celebrations flooding platforms.

Looking ahead, Arsenal face a relatively kind run-in compared to previous seasons. With fixtures against mid-to-lower table sides interspersed with the remaining big clashes, Arteta’s men can focus on maintaining their high standards of performance. Their Champions League campaign also remains alive, raising the tantalising prospect of a historic double.

For City, the focus shifts to damage limitation. They must win almost every remaining game to have any hope of climbing back into the top four, all while dealing with the distraction of the appeal process. The squad’s morale will be tested like never before, and questions are already being asked about whether key stars like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden will stay at the club amid the uncertainty.

This landmark ruling also raises broader questions about the future of financial regulation in football. The Premier League has signalled its willingness to enforce rules rigorously, potentially deterring other clubs from testing the boundaries. However, critics argue the delay in reaching a verdict — over three years since the charges were first brought — has caused unnecessary instability for the competition.

As the dust begins to settle on this extraordinary chapter, Arsenal stand as the clear beneficiaries. What was once a fiercely contested title race has become a victory lap opportunity for Mikel Arteta and his squad. The Gunners are now in pole position not just to win the Premier League but to do so in record-breaking fashion, potentially finishing with one of the highest points totals in history.

Wayne Rooney, among others, has commented on the situation, warning that while the deduction changes the landscape, Arsenal must still show their quality on the pitch. “This gives them a huge advantage, but titles are won by performances, not just points on a spreadsheet,” he said.

The football world will be watching closely as the season hurtles toward its conclusion. For Arsenal supporters, the dream of lifting the Premier League trophy at the Emirates feels closer than ever. For Manchester City, a period of rebuilding and legal battles lies ahead. One thing is certain: April 13, 2026, will be remembered as the day the Premier League title race was effectively decided off the field, handing Arsenal a golden ticket to glory.

The coming weeks will determine whether the Gunners can stay focused and cross the line in style, or if any late twists remain in this most dramatic of seasons. For now, the advantage is enormous, the margin is huge, and Arsenal’s path to the title has never looked clearer.

Angelo Stiller: Liverpool told £60m offer will be accepted

Angelo Stiller is only set to leave Stuttgart for between £50-60million as Liverpool keep tabs on his progress ahead of the summer window.

Stiller has been a consistent starter in the middle of the park for Stuttgart and is now a regular for Germany ahead of the World Cup.

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His fine form has seen Liverpool register their interest in his services, while the 25-year-old has been on Man United’s radar since last summer and is also admired by a whole host of top European clubs.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Stuttgart are set to demand upwards of £50m to let him leave this summer.

Liverpool’s transfer plans are set to revolve around signing a new central midfielder after disappointing campaigns from the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo.

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Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “You’re probably looking at 50 to 60 million pounds to prise him away from Stuttgart. When I’ve seen Stiller, I’ve liked him, and he has done well in Europe as well.

“Stuttgart have been quite smart with what they have done here, with the release clause move meaning that they can demand a big fee for him in the summer.

“When you have the likes of Man United, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Liverpool interested in you, it means you are a top player with huge potential.

“I don’t think Stuttgart would stand in his way if they got a big offer for him in the summer.”

Liverpool to accelerate move for Adam Wharton amid midfield rebuild

Stiller is not the only midfielder that the Reds are tracking ahead of the summer, especially with key man Dominik Szoboszlai linked to Real Madrid in recent weeks.

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Missing out on the Champions League could see the Hungarian move on, and with Stiller on their radar, sources have also told Football Insider that Liverpool admire Palace star Wharton and are keen to get a deal over the line as soon as possible.

He is also being tracked by Man United, with the Eagles set to demand around £70m for his services.

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