Andoni Iraola has revealed the reason behind Curtis Jones’ absence from the squad for Sunday’s pre-season fixture against AS Monaco at Anfield.The 25-year-old midfielder was a high-profile omission from the team sheet as Liverpool suffered a 3-2 defeat to the Ligue 1 outfit, despite taking an early two-goal lead.The decision to omit Jones raised immediate questions among supporters, but the head coach moved swiftly following the final whistle to clarify that the academy graduate’s absence was purely down to a minor physical concern rather than an imminent transfer.Why was Curtis Jones absent against Monaco?Speaking to LFC TV, Iraola explained that the coaching staff opted against taking any unnecessary risks with the midfielder’s fitness so close to the start of the competitive campaign.Jones had experienced slight discomfort during training earlier in the week, prompting the medical team to advise a precautionary period of rest.Iraola emphasised that the issue is not believed to be serious, noting that the management team felt it was far more sensible to safeguard the player for the upcoming Premier League opener rather than push him through friendly minutes.The Spaniard reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining maximum squad availability, stressing that no key player will be rushed back into action during pre-season when minor niggles arise.Curtis Jones continues to be linked with Inter MilanDespite the official fitness explanation, speculation regarding Jones’ long-term future at Anfield continues to intensify.The midfielder has been strongly linked with a move away from Merseyside during the summer transfer window, with Serie A champions Inter Milan emerging as the primary suitors for his signature.Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustInter have already lodged a £30 million bid for the midfielder as head coach Cristian Chivu seeks a dynamic, box-to-box presence to reinforce his central options.While Liverpool rebuffed the initial approach, holding out for a fee closer to €40 million, several European clubs remain attentive to his situation.The player might also be keen on a new challenge, and has also somewhat become less popular among fans after his recent antics, in particular the post match incident after win vs Wrexham.With competition for places in Liverpool’s engine room fierce under Iraola, Jones may consider a fresh challenge before the transfer deadline closes.The post Andoni Iraola reveals actual reason behind Curtis Jones absence amid Inter Milan transfer links appeared first on CaughtOffside.