Why Curtis Jones did not come off the bench during Liverpool’s FA Cup defeat to Plymouth

Add as preferred source on Google

Liverpool had to take their medicine on Sunday as they crashed out of the FA Cup away to lowly Plymouth Argyle.

The Reds had been heavy favourites to progress up against the team bottom of the Championship.

However, a lethargic and uninterested performance from Liverpool saw them get exactly what they deserved at Home Park.

There were not many in a white and black kit who could hold their heads up at full-time, with Federico Chiesa slammed for his outing and others looking well off it too.

With Liverpool behind and the clock ticking down, Arne Slot did not have much to turn to on his bench to replace those misfiring.

One of the senior players he could have brought on was Curtis Jones. However, it was notable that the 24-year-old stayed rooted to the bench.

Curtis Jones picks up fitness problem

It was not a surprise to see Slot rest so many key players for the trip down to Devon.

However, it was a slight shock just how many the Liverpool head coach left out of the travelling squad.

With the Reds behind and a bench full of youngsters, it felt like a matter of time before Jones was introduced.

In the end, that did not happen, though. And according to journalist Lewis Steele, that was because Jones was ‘slightly unfit’ heading into the game.

READ MORE: What was spotted about Joe Gomez as he went off injured for Liverpool against Plymouth

Taking to X, Steele also gave an update on the injury Joe Gomez sustained at Plymouth.

“Joe Gomez injury is not a hamstring tear,” says the reporter. “Curtis Jones was also slightly unfit hence why he did not warm up or come on today.”

Why did Curtis Jones travel?

If Jones was not fit enough to get on the pitch, it rather begs the question why Slot chose to take him in the first place.

Jones and Darwin Nunez were really the only two players on the bench who were ever likely to be able to come on and make an impact for Liverpool on Sunday.

Slot should perhaps have given Jones’ spot to a Dominik Szoboszlai or an Alexis Mac Allister, maybe even Cody Gakpo.

With the Scouser unable to enter the fray, it did at least mean fans were treated to a debut for 18-year-old winger Trent Kone-Doherty from the bench. But Jones coming on would have given the Reds a better chance at getting back into the game.