Liverpool have dropped a huge hint over Joe Gomez's future after confirming their squad for their Premier League opener against Ipswich Town.
Reds boss Arne Slot, preparing for his English football debut in the dugout at Portman Road, named his 20-man squad for the Saturday lunchtime fixture.
But to some fans' surprise, versatile defender Joe Gomez was not named in the squad for the trip to Suffolk. In his pre-match interview, Slot did not mention an injury for the defender - suggesting his decision to be left out of the squad was tactical.
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The Reds lined up with Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and Jarell Quansah at centre-back alongside Virgil van Dijk.
But even on the bench - where Gomez has been seen often during pre-season - Slot did not have a place reserved for him. Gomez only played 16 minutes in the 4-1 friendly win over Sevilla, suggesting he may not be part of the 45-year-old's plans.
The England international has been linked with a move away from Anfield and his exclusion from the squad could prove to be the biggest indication yet that he may leave this summer.
The 27-year-old had been offered as a makeweight in a player-plus-cash bid for Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon, only for the £75million deal to fall through in June.
Aston Villa are also monitoring the situation of Gomez, who is also being targeted by several clubs in the Premier League and abroad. West Ham have also been credited with an interest in the defender, who can play anywhere across the back four.
It comes less than two weeks after it was reported Gomez had decided to stay at Liverpool after holding positive talks with Slot about his future. The Times reported he was 'committed' to their new project under Slot and would stay beyond the transfer deadline.
But his surprise omission from the team will serve as a blow to his chances of remaining with the Carabao Cup holders.
Gomez is one of Liverpool's longest-serving players, joining the Merseyside outfit from Charlton for £1m in 2015 and going on to make 224 appearances for the club.
A quarter of those outings came last season under Jurgen Klopp, as he was used regularly by the German.
But it appears the writing is on the wall for Gomez, who could now consider his options with a fortnight left of the transfer window to seal a move away.
