Curtis Jones Omitted Again Amid Inter Transfer Links
Curtis Jones’ pre-season has taken another twist. The Liverpool midfielder has been left out of the squad for their second friendly of the day against Como, a decision that will only crank up the noise around his future amid interest from Inter.
The two sides had already gone head-to-head behind closed doors earlier on Sunday, playing out a 0-0 draw at the AXA Training Centre. This time the stands are open and the cameras are on, but Jones will not be involved at all, omitted from the matchday group.
Liverpool have indicated, via Tuttomercatoweb, that the England international is instead scheduled to carry out individual work. Jones also sat out last week’s friendly against Monaco with what was described as a minor hip issue, so this is now a pattern rather than a one-off.
The timing is impossible to ignore. Inter have been tracking the 25-year-old as they weigh up midfield options, and his continued absence during the final stretch of the summer window will only sharpen speculation. There is, however, no confirmation from Liverpool that today’s decision is linked to any potential transfer.
While Jones works alone, the show goes on at pitch level.
Fabregas starts Chalobah as big names wait
On the Como bench, Cesc Fabregas has made a notable call of his own. Trevoh Chalobah starts for the visitors, a prominent role for the defender as he looks to nail down his place. Around him, some of Como’s headline names are kept in reserve: Nico Paz, Maxence Caqueret and Alvaro Morata all begin among the substitutes.
Across the halfway line, Liverpool’s lineup offers a different kind of intrigue. Alisson anchors a side that blends established quality with experimental choices:
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Van Dijk, Jacquet, Kerkez, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Isak, Gakpo, Frimpong, Gravenberch, Ngumoha. Substitutes: Davies, Munoz, Araujo, Nyoni, Koumas, Ndiaye, Wright. Coach: Iraola.
Como respond with:
Como XI: 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.
With Jones again nowhere near the pitch and Inter watching closely, every missed minute now feels like part of a bigger story.
