Jérémy Jacquet hamstring injury latest as Liverpool face anxious wait before Manchester City
Is Liverpool's new defensive sensation about to miss the biggest match of the season so far?
Liverpool supporters face an agonising wait over the coming days after summer breakout star Jérémy Jacquet was left out of France latest international fixture on Monday evening.
Having made an instant impact following his £60m big-money move from Rennes and locking down a starting berth alongside Virgil van Dijk, news of a hamstring setback for the 21-year-old French centre-back is the last thing Andoni Iraola needed ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster clash against Manchester City at Anfield.
Forced out of international duty
Jacquet was left out of France's squad for their UEFA Nations League encounter against Belgium on Monday night. Manchester United defender Leny Yoro was drafted in to make his international debut as French manager Zinedine Zidane shuffled his backline.
The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed via Get French Football News that the young defender felt a strain in his left hamstring prior to kickoff. With no unnecessary risks taken over his long-term fitness, Jacquet was sidelined to prevent any further damage before returning to club duty.
Speaking after France's 4-1 victory over Belgium, Zidane confirmed the situation directly to reporters:
“Jeremy (Jacquet) was slightly injured.”
It brings a frustrating, premature end to what had otherwise been a dream first senior call-up for Jacquet. The 21-year-old had impressed across his first two senior appearances for Les Bleus, playing a full 90 minutes in a 1-0 victory against Belgium and delivering a commanding performance in a 1-1 draw against Italy just three days prior.
Zidane had been thoroughly impressed by Jacquet's tactical bravery, showering the young defender with glowing praise following the Italy match:
“Very good. Very, very good. Brave. He wasn't afraid to come out a long way. Very good in the duels. He was, once again, very good. I said it four times!”
A cruel blow to Jacquet's flying Anfield start
For Kopites, watching Jacquet earn such public backing from a footballing legend like Zidane was validation of what everyone at Anfield has witnessed this season.
Since making his Premier League debut in the 2-2 draw at Newcastle United, Jacquet has been a mainstay in Iraola's defence, establishing himself as Van Dijk's primary defensive partner.
That rapid adaptation is precisely why this hamstring strain comes as such a huge blow. Speaking before the international break, Iraola discussed how Jacquet was overcoming early-season fatigue and building up his physical endurance:
“I think in the first games, physically he was feeling the change of rhythm, he was finishing with cramps, finishing really tired and we had to sub him. Today has been a step forward. He looked solid until the end and I think he's finished physically also in a good place. I hope he can continue this development.”
Iraola had also expressed his delight when Jacquet received his initial call-up to Zidane's squad last month:
“I'm happy for him because he's also received his first international call-up. He's going with France and that is a big national team and I know that he is happy. He's still very young, he is adapting really well to the Premier League.”
What it means for Liverpool against Manchester City
Jacquet will now return to Merseyside for detailed scans and assessments by Liverpool’s medical team at the AXA Training Centre.
The timing of the injury couldn't be worse. League leaders Manchester City visit Anfield on Sunday sitting top of the table with 15 points from five matches, while Liverpool sit sixth on nine points. City will also be making their first appearance since being found guilty of all charges for breaching financial rules between 2009 and 2018.
Should Jacquet be ruled out for Sunday, Joe Gomez represents the most natural replacement to partner Van Dijk. While Gomez offers significant big-match experience, losing Jacquet's unique recovery pace, aerial strength, and aggressive forward passing would represent a major blow against Enzo Maresca attack.
Supporters will be hoping the French medical team's cautious approach saved Jacquet from severe damage, and that the young Frenchman can recover in time to take his place at the heart of Liverpool's defence this weekend.
