Jeremy Jacquet’s Fitness Concern Leads Liverpool to Take Careful Approach During Pre-Season

Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet has been forced to wait for his first appearance in the club’s pre-season schedule after experiencing some discomfort, with the Reds choosing not to take unnecessary risks with the young centre-back.

The French defender was among the first senior players to return for pre-season preparations, determined to make an early start after his previous campaign with Rennes ended prematurely because of a shoulder problem. Jacquet arrived at Liverpool hoping to build his fitness quickly and establish himself ahead of the new season.

After travelling with the squad for their pre-season tour in the United States, expectations were high that the 21-year-old would feature regularly in friendly matches against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds United. However, he has yet to make an appearance, and there are doubts over whether he will be involved in the final friendly of the tour.

Liverpool’s coaching staff have decided to be cautious rather than rush Jacquet back into action, especially considering his recent injury history and the fact that he spent a significant amount of time away from competitive football.

Manager Andoni Iraola explained that the club was still deciding whether it would be sensible for Jacquet to play against Leeds.

“With Jeremy, we still don’t know if it’s worth putting him in against Leeds,” Iraola told LFCTV.

The defender was absent from team training sessions on Friday and Saturday, instead completing individual work inside the gym while the rest of the squad prepared for the upcoming match.

The situation has created some challenges for Liverpool, who currently have limited options at centre-back. However, the club’s priority remains protecting Jacquet’s long-term fitness rather than exposing him to unnecessary risks during pre-season.

Iraola admitted that Jacquet had made an excellent start to preparations before the setback occurred.

“He completed the first part of pre-season very well,” the manager explained. “Now he is feeling some discomfort, so we do not want to rush him.”

The Liverpool boss also highlighted the importance of carefully managing Jacquet’s return because the defender is coming back after months without regular match action.

“He comes from a lot of months without playing,” Iraola said. “Obviously, I would like to try him alongside Virgil when he is fully recovered, especially because with Joe’s injury we have been short of experienced centre-backs.”

Liverpool had hoped Jacquet could form a partnership with captain Virgil van Dijk once he regained full fitness. The Frenchman’s physical qualities, defensive ability and potential have made him an exciting addition to the squad, but the club understands that patience will be required.

The absence of experienced defensive options has increased the importance of keeping Jacquet healthy. With Joe Gomez unavailable, Liverpool have had to consider alternative solutions during pre-season.

For their match against Leeds, the squad may have to rely on younger defenders. Teenage players Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye are available as natural centre-back options, while Luke Chambers could also provide cover despite primarily being a left-back.

Another possible solution is midfielder Ryan Gravenberch dropping deeper into a defensive role if required. However, Iraola’s preference is likely to allow senior players to continue preparing in the positions where they will normally operate during the competitive season.

Liverpool’s approach reflects the importance of avoiding further defensive problems before the campaign begins. Pre-season matches are valuable opportunities for players to gain fitness and develop chemistry, but they are also a time when clubs must carefully manage workloads.

For Jacquet, the priority is reaching full fitness and being ready for meaningful matches rather than simply appearing in friendly fixtures. Rushing his return could create a bigger problem later, something Liverpool are keen to avoid.

The young defender’s arrival at Liverpool has generated excitement due to his potential and previous performances in France. The club sees him as a player capable of contributing significantly in the future, but his development must be handled carefully.

Working alongside a world-class defender such as Van Dijk could provide Jacquet with valuable experience, but Liverpool want that partnership to begin only when both players are fully prepared.

The coming days will determine whether Jacquet is able to participate in Liverpool’s final pre-season fixture or whether the coaching staff decide that further recovery time is the better option.

While supporters may be eager to see the new signing in action, the club’s cautious approach demonstrates a focus on protecting the player’s health and ensuring he enters the season in the best possible condition.

Liverpool’s decision underlines the wider importance of player management in modern football. With demanding schedules and intense competition, clubs must balance immediate goals with long-term fitness planning.

For Jacquet, patience will be essential. His first Liverpool appearance may have been delayed, but ensuring he returns fully fit could prove far more important than featuring in a handful of pre-season matches.

The Reds remain confident in his ability and will continue monitoring his condition closely before deciding when he is ready to make his debut.