CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Curtis Jones was one of four players left out of Liverpool’s squad to face Ligue 1 side Monaco at Anfield on Sunday, in a blow to Andoni Iraola‘s preparations.
Jones was a surprise absentee as Liverpool released their teamsheet for the penultimate friendly of pre-season at home to Monaco.
The midfielder was left out along with backup goalkeepers Freddie Woodman and Harvey Davies, as well as Stefan Bajcetic who continues to push for full fitness.
This Is Anfield understands Jones misses out as a precaution, with Iraola otherwise able to call upon six midfielders.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch start in the deeper two-man unit, while Trey Nyoni, Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott and James McConnell are available in reserve.
It allows flexibility even without Jones, with Liverpool also set to welcome Alexis Mac Allister back for pre-season on Monday.
Jones is a target for Inter Milan this summer and has already been subject of three unsuccessful bids from the Serie A club.
The most recent informal offer was worth €35 million (£30.3m), which fell short of Liverpool’s €40 million (£34.3m) price tag.
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones comes out for the second half during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones comes out for the second half during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool would be reluctant sellers even if that valuation was met, but with Jones into the final year of his contract and open to a move elsewhere, he could be sold in the coming weeks.
There is no indication at this stage, however, that his omission from the squad to face Monaco is linked to an imminent exit.
Iraola has named Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo in his starting lineup for the first time after meeting the trio upon Liverpool’s return from their tour of the United States.
New signing Victor Munoz has also made the bench after reporting to the AXA Training Centre on Monday, having taken a short break following Spain’s World Cup triumph.
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Leeds United FC
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Leeds United FC
Football – Pre-Season Friendly – Liverpool FC v AS Monaco
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: An aerial view of Anfield, showing Walton Breck Road, ahead of a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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1 circle collage (41)