Curtis Jones was one of the most notable absentees as Liverpool faced Monaco in a pre-season friendly at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
Andoni Iraola gave opportunities to 22 players during the match, but Liverpool suffered another disappointing result after once again surrendering a two-goal advantage. It was a similar story to the previous weekend, when the Reds lost 4-2 to Leeds after taking a 2-0 lead.
Jones’ absence was particularly noticeable given the growing speculation surrounding his future. The 25-year-old, who was recently involved in a tense-looking exchange with Dominik Szoboszlai over the captaincy during Liverpool’s pre-season victory over Wrexham, has attracted reported interest from Inter Milan.
Romano explains Jones’ absence
Fabrizio Romano provided an explanation shortly before kick-off, revealing why Jones was not included in the squad against Monaco.
Romano wrote on X: “Curtis Jones, out of Liverpool squad today as he’s not even on the bench. #LFC informs it’s precaution for the midfielder still wanted by Inter (priority target) and more clubs this summer.”
Jones’ absence could increase transfer speculation
Although Jones may simply have suffered a minor knock, Liverpool’s decision to leave him out has inevitably raised further questions about his future, especially with reports linking him with a possible move away from Anfield.
Journalist David Lynch previously suggested that a summer departure could not be completely ruled out, although he also indicated that Liverpool’s head coach could make an effort to convince the midfielder to remain at his boyhood club.
Inter have reportedly already submitted several offers for the England international, all of which were rejected. However, the Italian giants could yet return with another proposal before the September 1 transfer deadline.
Liverpool are scheduled to face Como twice next Sunday, with Iraola expected to use separate starting line-ups for the two matches. Jones’ involvement in those fixtures could therefore provide a clearer indication of his position in the manager’s plans for the upcoming season.
Iraola is also likely to face questions about Jones’ absence, with Liverpool supporters hoping the decision was purely precautionary and not an indication that their No. 17 could be heading for the exit.
