Liverpool handed timely pre-season boost as new £60m signing spotted in training

There is a distinct, unmistakable shift in atmosphere at the AXA Training Centre when the countdown to the 2026/27 Premier League opener hits single digits.

With just ten days standing between Liverpool and a daunting trip to St James' Park to face Newcastle United, the intensity in Kirkby has intensified.

For new head coach Andoni Iraola, Wednesday's 12th August training session provided a much-needed boost. Amid an injury list that has threatened to derail pre-season momentum, two key players made a welcome return to the grass, while the countdown to Sunday’s double-header against Serie A side Como gathers pace.

Here is a closer look at the key talking points from Liverpool’s latest session as the new campaign gets closer

Jacquet Stakes his claim after frustrating layoff

The headline news from Wednesday was the sight of Jeremy Jacquet fully integrated into team training for the first time since his summer arrival.

For a player whose journey to Merseyside has been anything but straightforward, it felt like a significant milestone.

Liverpool originally wrapped up a £60 million deal (£55m fixed plus £5m in add-ons) to sign the 21-year-old from Stade Rennais back in February, fending off fierce competition from Chelsea in the process.

However, just days after committing his future to Anfield on a five-year contract through 2031 a severe shoulder injury sustained during Rennes’ 3-1 defeat at Lens required surgery, prematurely ending his season in France.

Though cleared for a return when he officially joined the Reds last month, a secondary, unspecified physical setback kept him off the plane for the club's pre-season tour of the United States.

Now, having watched from the sidelines, the French U21 international is finally in line to make his unofficial debut on Sunday. Iraola confirmed earlier this week that Jacquet is in contention to feature against Como, giving the Basque boss a long-awaited look at a player viewed internally as a cornerstone of Liverpool’s long-term defensive strategy.

Midfield boost and the Curtis Jones question

Jacquet wasn't the only positive sight on Wednesday. Curtis Jones was also back in the fold after missing last weekend’s disappointing 4-2 defeat to AS Monaco with a slight hip issue.

The 25-year-old’s presence brings immediate quality back to the engine room, particularly with Alexis Mac Allister continuing his build-up after a extended, post-World Cup holiday. Yet, while Jones return to fitness is a bonus on the pitch, noise off it continues to hover over the Scouser.

With his contract entering its final 12 months next summer, speculation surrounding Jones' future refuses to quiet down. Inter Milan remain heavily interested, according to recent reports though the Serie A champions are yet to table an offer that meets Liverpool's valuation.

Recent reports suggest the Reds could be open to compromising on their asking price, but Iraola has already made his stance crystal clear: he wants the academy graduate to stay. Whether a firm bid from Italy tests Liverpool's resolve before deadline day remains to be seen, but for now, Jones is in line to play a part in Sunday's final tune-up.

Where Iraola faces his biggest headache ahead of Newcastle is in the heart of defence.

With Virgil van Dijk locked in the backline, the race to partner the captain at St James' Park is wide open.

New loan signing Ronald Araujo was put through his paces on Wednesday and represents a option. However, Jacquet’s swift integration could throw a spanner in the works if he impresses against Como.

The need for both men to hit the ground running is heightened by a concerning list of absentees:

Young defender Giovanni Leoni continues his rehabilitation from severe ACL damage, with hope remaining that he could be back in the fold by September.

Elsewhere, Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike join Leoni on the long-term recovery list. To make matters tighter at the back, neither Joe Gomez nor Stefan Bajcetic were spotted in Wednesday's session, leaving Iraola light on versatile defensive cover when depth is needed most.

The double-header experiment before the real work begins

Liverpool’s final preparation comes in a familiar package this weekend. For the third summer running following previous double-headers against Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla, and Las Palmas the Reds will host back-to-back friendlies on the same day against Italian outfit Como at Anfield on Sunday, August 16.

The schedule begins with a behind-closed-doors fixture at midday, primarily designed to build raw match sharpness and afford minutes to fringe players. That will be followed by a full-scale clash in front of the Anfield supporters at 6:00 PM BST.

For Iraola, the double fixtures represent the last opportunity to experiment with tactical tweaks and gauge match fitness before the new campaign begins.

Once the international break arrives in September, Liverpool will be plunged into a grueling schedule of two games a week. Making the most of these final days on the Kirkby training pitches isn't just ideal it is essential. With Jacquet back, Jones fit, and Newcastle waiting in the wings, the real test is about to begin.

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