Liverpool have received a significant boost ahead of their crucial Premier League showdown with Manchester City, with summer signing Jeremy Jacquet spotted back in full team training after suffering a minor hamstring injury on international duty.

The 21-year-old defender had emerged as a major injury concern after being left out of France’s matchday squad for their 4-1 victory over Belgium. The French Football Federation subsequently confirmed that he had sustained a minor strain to his left hamstring, raising concerns over his availability for Sunday’s blockbuster encounter at Anfield.

However, images from the AXA Training Centre on Thursday, October 8, showed Jacquet participating in outdoor group drills alongside his Liverpool teammates, offering encouraging signs ahead of the weekend fixture.

Jacquet Return Provides Huge Relief for Iraola

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola will welcome the defender’s return to training as the Reds prepare for one of their toughest tests of the season.

Jacquet has made an encouraging start to life at Anfield since arriving during the summer, quickly establishing himself as an important presence in Liverpool’s backline. His composure in possession, recovery pace and aerial strength have helped him build an impressive partnership with captain Virgil van Dijk.

The pair’s understanding could prove particularly important against Manchester City, whose attacking quality is expected to put Liverpool’s defensive organisation under considerable pressure.

Jacquet’s availability would give Iraola greater flexibility in selecting his defence and provide valuable continuity ahead of the high-stakes fixture.

Liverpool Still Waiting on Isak and Gakpo

While Jacquet’s return represents positive news, Liverpool continue to face uncertainty over the fitness of key attacking players Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo.

Both forwards have reportedly missed team training, leaving their availability for the Manchester City clash in doubt.

Their potential absences would be a concern for Iraola, particularly given the importance of Liverpool’s attacking threat in a match where opportunities could be limited.

With the Reds hoping to maintain their unbeaten domestic record at Anfield, having as many first-team players available as possible could make a significant difference.

Van Dijk and Jacquet Partnership Could Be Key

Manchester City’s attacking threat will provide a major examination of Liverpool’s defensive partnership, making Jacquet’s potential return especially encouraging.

Alongside Van Dijk, the young Frenchman offers a combination of physical presence, positional awareness and composure that could help Liverpool cope with City’s movement and pressure.

However, returning to training does not automatically guarantee that Jacquet will start. Liverpool’s medical staff will need to assess his fitness and ensure he can cope with the demands of a high-intensity Premier League contest.

For now, his return to group training is a welcome development for the Reds as preparations continue.

Liverpool fans will be hoping Jacquet can make the final step towards full match fitness, even as the club awaits clearer updates on Isak and Gakpo ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Manchester City.