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Curtis Jones and Ifeanyi Ndukwe were not involved in either of Liverpool’s games against Como to close out pre-season, with the pair absent for different reasons. A total of 30 players were included in Andoni Iraola‘s two squads to play Como, with six players included in both the 0-0 draw at the AXA Training Centre and the evening’s clash at Anfield. But missing from both 18-man groups were Jones and Ndukwe, with Trey Nyoni and Mor Talla Ndiaye pulling double duty in their absence. This Is Anfield understands Jones took in an individual session at the AXA instead, as speculation continues over the midfielder’s future. The 25-year-old also sat out the 3-2 friendly defeat to Monaco a week ago, with Iraola claiming he was suffering with a hip injury. He then rejoined training with the squad on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Ndukwe was simply left out as other senior centre-back options were prioritised, with discussions ongoing over a loan move designed to secure his UK work permit as early as January. The Austrian’s omission came with Jeremy Jacquet fit to take part for the first time in pre-season and Ronald Araujo joining from Barcelona on loan. Jacquet took up starting duties alongside Virgil van Dijk, with Araujo on the bench and expected to take the Frenchman’s place at half-time. Iraola appears set on the midfield pairing of Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch ahead of the Premier League opener at Newcastle on August 23, while Nyoni and Alexis Mac Allister are established as alternatives. That has left Jones as something of the odd one out as preparations for the new campaign ramp up. Inter finalised a deal to loan midfielder Davide Frattesi to Lazio earlier in the week and that is set to pave the way for a renewed bid for Liverpool’s No. 17. With a year left on his contract it is increasingly likely that Jones will leave his boyhood club this summer with suggestions of a move in the works worth around £30 million.