Andoni Iraola has addressed the reason behind Curtis Jones’ absence from the squad during the pre-season fixture against AS Monaco on Sunday, where Liverpool suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat despite initially leading by two goals.

The omission of the 25-year-old midfielder raised concerns among fans, but Iraola clarified post-match that the decision was due to a minor physical issue rather than an imminent transfer.

Key Points:

• Curtis Jones experienced slight discomfort during training earlier in the week.
• The medical team advised a precautionary rest to avoid any unnecessary risks with the player's fitness ahead of the competitive season.
• Iraola emphasized that the issue is not serious and prioritizing the player’s well-being is crucial for the upcoming Premier League opener.

Iraola reiterated his commitment to ensuring maximum squad availability, stating that no key player would be rushed back into action during pre-season for minor issues.

Despite this official fitness explanation, speculation regarding Curtis Jones’ future at Anfield continues to mount. He has been linked with a move to Inter Milan, who reportedly made a £30 million bid for the midfielder as head coach Cristian Chivu seeks to strengthen his central options. Liverpool has turned down the initial offer, aiming for a fee closer to €40 million.

With intense competition for places in Liverpool’s midfield, Jones may contemplate a new challenge before the transfer window closes, especially following recent fan discontent stemming from his post-match behavior after a victory against Wrexham.