Across Liverpool's two pre-season fixtures in America thus far, there have been plenty of positives to take. The Reds have won both matches, while numerous young players will have impressed new head coach Andoni Iraola. Rio Ngumoha was the match-winner against Wrexham on Wednesday, Kieran Morrison and Lewis Koumas were on target during the 4-2 victory over Sunderland last weekend, while 18 year old Ifeanyi Ndukwe has looked like the next Virgil van Dijk.
However, one of the most fun aspects of pre-season for any supporter is getting that first glimpse of a new signing in their team's colours. To date, Liverpool fans have been robbed of that sensation. Víctor Muñoz, who has arrived from Osasuna for £34.5 million, is on holiday, having been part of the Spain squad that won the World Cup. Meantime, negotiations to secure the signature of number one target Bradley Barcola are ongoing, with the Reds yet to agree a fee with Paris Saint-Germain.
Thus, there was optimism that Jérémy Jacquet would play some part in the U.S. tour. Having not featured in Tennessee nor New York City, those heading to Soldier Field on Sunday were perhaps expecting to see the Frenchman in action, but that is currently in doubt.
Will Jérémy Jacquet feature vs Leeds United?
Liverpool held an opening training session at their U.S. base Chicago Fire Endeavor Health Performance Center on Friday, and Jacquet was conspicuous by his absence. It was thereby reported by James Pearce of the Athletic, and others, that the French defender is "doing a gym session today rather than team training", adding that he is being carefully managed and that it "remains to be seen" if he will be available to play any part in Sunday's clash with Leeds.
Open training in Chicago #LFC pic.twitter.com/1fD10V5jpr
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) July 31, 2026
Speaking a week ago following the Reds' 4-2 victory over Sunderland at Geodis Park, Iraola said this when asked about Jacquet's fitness and availability:
"With Jérémy we decided to take it easy with him. He's had a lot of months without playing and he's been training very well, but we're going to take it easy with him. He will play probably in the last game of this tour and he will have time to have minutes."Andoni Iraola on Jérémy Jacquet
However, now, the 21 year old's participation in Sunday's match has to be in doubt. In the short term, this doesn't really matter. It is only a pre-season friendly after all. However, with the start of the Premier League season now just three weeks away, the Reds kicking off their campaign against Newcastle United at St James' Park, this is far from ideal.
What injury is Jérémy Jacquet nursing?
Jacquet officially signed for Liverpool from Stade Rennais for £55 million, plus £5 million on add-ons, back in February. However, despite Arne Slot's desperate need for defensive reinforcements at the time, he was loaned back to Rennes for the remainder of the campaign to further his development. This though certainly did not go to plan.
Jacquet would play only once more for les Rouge et Noirs. During a Ligue 1 clash with Lens at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, he was forced off due to a shoulder injury after falling awkwardly. Then-Rennes manager Habib Beye described it as "definitely quite serious", with the younger requiring surgery, not playing a match since. That's 175 days and counting. For context, 175 days from now is 23 January.
Thus, Iraola is right to be ultra-cautious with a highly-talented youngster who has a bright future on Merseyside. Nevertheless, this set back is ill-timed, given a lack of defensive alternatives.
Who will start at centre-back vs Leeds is Jérémy Jacquet is unavailable?
Iraola currently has no senior centre-backs available for Sunday's clash with Leeds, assuming Jacquet is unable to feature. Joe Gomez suffered a muscle injury last weekend, set to be sidelined for at least a few weeks, including missing the start of the Premier League campaign.
Meantime, Giovanni Leoni is not yet ready to play a part, still recovering from the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered in September. Lastly, Virgil van Dijk has begun his pre-season preparations at AXA Training Centre, not asked to make another trans-Atlantic flight.
Thus, it could be a repeat of Wednesday's centre-back pairing. Luke Chambers, who has previously spent time on loan at Kilmarnock, Wigan and Charlton, filled in there at Yankee Stadium; he is naturally a left-back. His partner was Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who has impressed all onlookers during both matches to date. The teenager has arrived from Austrian Wien for £2.8 million, but is ineligible to feature in competitive fixtures, as he does not qualify for a UK work permit, so will have to be loaned out.
The other centre-back option is another 18 year old, namely Mor Talla Ndiaye, who started against Sunderland, before enjoying a late cameo in the Bronx. Thus, while it is obviously a shame that Jacquet is yet to feature for the first time, it'll be another chance for these youngsters to showcase what they are capable of.
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