Curtis Jones Absent Again as Liverpool Faces Como in Pre-Season Friendly
Curtis Jones was nowhere to be seen as Liverpool named their squad for the second friendly of the day against Como, a fresh twist in a pre-season quietly humming with uncertainty around the midfielder’s future.
Earlier on Sunday, the same sides had gone through the gears behind closed doors at the AXA Training Centre, grinding out a 0-0 draw away from the cameras. This time the stands are open, the tempo higher, but Jones is again on the periphery – not even on the bench.
Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb report that Liverpool have confirmed Jones is set for individual work instead of featuring in the game. The club have already put his absence from last week’s clash with Monaco down to a minor hip issue, and that line remains in place.
The timing, though, is impossible to ignore.
Inter’s interest in the 25-year-old has been bubbling in the background, with the Nerazzurri tracking midfield options as the transfer window moves into its final stretch. Jones’s continued omission from matchday squads will only sharpen the focus on him, even with no indication from Liverpool that the call is linked to any potential move.
For now, it is a pre-season riddle: a fit-again player, a big club circling, and a run of friendlies he is not involved in.
Como's Strong Lineup
On the pitch, Como boss Cesc Fabregas has gone strong. He hands Trevoh Chalobah a starting role, a notable selection in a side that also includes J. Rodriguez and Baturina, while holding back some of his headline names. Nico Paz, Maxence Caqueret and Alvaro Morata all begin among the substitutes, waiting for their cue.
Liverpool's Lineup
Across from him, Liverpool line up with a blend of established stars and intriguing pieces. Alisson starts in goal, with Virgil van Dijk anchoring a back line that also features Jacquet and Kerkez. Ahead of them, Wirtz and Szoboszlai add craft, while Gakpo, Frimpong and Gravenberch offer threat and movement around Isak and Ngumoha.
The official lineups paint the full picture:
Liverpool: Alisson; Van Dijk, Jacquet, Kerkez, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Isak, Gakpo, Frimpong, Gravenberch, Ngumoha. Substitutes: Davies, Munoz, Araujo, Nyoni, Koumas, Ndiaye, Wright. Coach: Iraola.
Como: Butez; Bruno, Milla, Douvikas, Ramon, Couto, J. Rodriguez, Baturina, Chalobah, Liberali, Da Cunha. Substitutes: Kempf, Valle, Goldaniga, Morata, Caqueret, Gabrielloni, Nico Paz, Audero, Dossena, Lahdo, Kuhn, Tronqvist, Vigorito, Perrone, Fadera, Smolcic, Asfour, Rispoli, Diao, Van Der Brempt, Azon. Coach: Cesc Fabregas.
The friendly itself will offer clues about systems, partnerships and fitness. The bigger question, though, may be about the player not involved at all. With Inter watching and the window ticking down, how many more Liverpool lineups this summer will be named without Curtis Jones?
