Curtis Jones was a notable absentee from Liverpool’s squad for Sunday’s friendly against Monaco at Anfield.
Andoni Iraola rotated heavily, giving minutes to 22 players, but the Reds once again surrendered a 2-0 lead and lost — the second successive weekend they have collapsed from that position after a 4-2 defeat to Leeds seven days earlier.
The 25-year-old midfielder, who was involved in a tense exchange with Dominik Szoboszlai over the captaincy during the pre-season win over Wrexham in late July, has been linked with Inter Milan this summer. His complete omission from the matchday squad stood out.
Just over an hour before kick-off, Fabrizio Romano explained the situation 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.”
While a minor knock and a cautious approach from Iraola remains the most straightforward explanation, Jones’ absence amid ongoing transfer speculation is likely to intensify questions about his long-term future at Anfield.
In July, journalist David Lynch stopped short of ruling out a summer departure but suggested the head coach may still try to persuade the local player to stay. Inter have already submitted multiple bids that were rejected; another approach before the 1 September deadline would not be a surprise.
Liverpool face Como in two friendlies next Sunday, and Iraola is expected to use largely different XIs in each game. Jones’ level of involvement — or continued absence — will offer a clearer signal of where he sits in the manager’s plans.
Iraola is likely to face questions about the omission in the coming hours. For now, the club’s line remains that it was purely precautionary. Whether that holds, or whether it proves the first public sign of an impending exit for the number 17, will become clearer soon enough.
