Liverpool have been handed another worrying injury concern just days before their huge Premier League showdown with Manchester City, with defender Jérémy Jacquet now set for further assessment after suffering a hamstring issue while on international duty with France. 🔴
The 21-year-old has been one of the biggest surprises of Liverpool’s impressive start to the season, quickly establishing himself alongside Virgil van Dijk and earning his first senior France appearances during the current international break.
However, Liverpool supporters were left concerned after Jacquet was ruled out of France’s 4-1 victory over Belgium on Monday night.
The French Football Federation confirmed that the young defender was dealing with a strain to his left hamstring, forcing him to miss the clash at the Stade de France.
And now, France head coach Zinedine Zidane has provided an explanation for the decision to leave Jacquet out.
😰 What Zidane said about Jacquet
Speaking after France’s victory, Zidane explained that he had to carefully manage his players after a demanding run of fixtures.
France had played four matches in just 11 days, meaning the coaching staff were determined not to take unnecessary risks with players carrying minor problems.
Zidane revealed that Jacquet was “slightly injured”, making it important for France to be cautious with the Liverpool defender.
The decision means Jacquet will now return to Merseyside, where Liverpool’s medical team are expected to assess the extent of the problem.
For Liverpool fans, the timing could hardly be worse.
🚨 Liverpool sweating over Man City clash
The Reds are preparing for one of their biggest tests of the season when Manchester City travel to Anfield next Sunday.
Jacquet has been outstanding since breaking into Liverpool’s defence, forming an impressive partnership with the experienced Van Dijk.
His pace, physicality and composure have quickly made him a key part of the back line, and losing him for the visit of City would be a major setback for Andoni Iraola.
There is, however, one reason for Liverpool supporters to remain hopeful.
The Manchester City match does not take place until Sunday afternoon, giving Jacquet several days to recover and undergo further medical checks before a final decision is made.
Liverpool will now be hoping the injury is nothing more than a minor setback.
😱 Another injury blow for Liverpool?
Jacquet’s situation comes at a particularly frustrating time for the Reds, with Cody Gakpo also expected to miss the Manchester City encounter after picking up an injury while on international duty with the Netherlands.
That means Liverpool could potentially be without two players who have started the season in excellent form.
Jacquet, in particular, has become increasingly important to the team since his arrival, with his performances alongside Van Dijk earning widespread praise.
Now, Liverpool supporters will have to wait for the results of his assessment.
The club will be desperate for positive news because facing Manchester City without Jacquet would represent a huge defensive challenge.
With Erling Haaland also expected to be available for City despite being substituted during Norway’s recent match, the Reds could need every available defender at their disposal.
Liverpool fans will now be keeping their fingers crossed that Jacquet’s hamstring problem is only minor and that the Frenchman can recover in time for Sunday’s blockbuster at Anfield. 🔴🙏
The next few days could determine whether Liverpool’s new defensive star is ready for the biggest test yet.
🔥 FULL STORY: LINK IN COMMENTS 👇👇
