Andoni Iraola Sets Jeremy Jacquet's Return Date as Liverpool Prepares for Como Friendlies

Jeremy Jacquet Nears Liverpool Debut

Andoni Iraola, Liverpool's head coach, has revealed that their high-profile summer signing Jeremy Jacquet is close to making his first appearance for the club. The French defender, who joined from Rennes in a deal worth up to £60 million, has been carefully managed through the preseason while recovering from a shoulder injury.

Fans have been eager to see Jacquet in action, but he missed the opening matches of Liverpool's preseason campaign. Most recently, he was absent during the 3-2 home defeat to Monaco, raising questions about whether he would be ready for the new Premier League season.

Recovery and Cautious Management

The 21-year-old spent the past week working separately from the main squad, focusing on rehabilitation from a shoulder issue sustained shortly after his transfer was agreed in January. Speaking after the Monaco game, Iraola explained that they debated whether to include Jacquet but ultimately chose to hold him back.

"Jeremy was in doubt for today's game; we decided not to risk him," said Iraola. "But he should be ready for the next match."

This suggests the medical team is satisfied with Jacquet’s progress, clearing him for potential action in the upcoming fixtures.

Defensive Depth Remains a Concern

Liverpool’s defense appeared stretched against Monaco, with only Virgil van Dijk and Ifeanyi Ndukwe available as specialist centre-backs. Though Ndukwe showed promise, the limited senior options worry supporters.

Besides Jacquet’s expected return, Liverpool has strengthened its defense further by securing a loan for Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo, who will offer both experience and competition for places.

Jacquet himself expressed excitement about learning from Van Dijk, saying, "Training with him is huge. He’s going to teach me so much. It doesn’t get better than training alongside players like that."

Final Preseason Test Against Como

Liverpool’s preparations will wrap up with two matches against Como on Sunday. The first is a closed-door game at the AXA Training Centre at noon, followed by an open friendly at 6pm.

Iraola may use the evening fixture to try out his starting lineup for the league opener, which means Jacquet could get some playing time in the earlier private session to regain sharpness away from the public eye.

• Club Friendlies:
• Arsenal vs. Como: 12 Aug 2026, 20:30
• Liverpool vs. Como: 16 Aug 2026, 13:00