‘Should be fine’ – Iraola hints at when Jeremy Jacquet could make his first Liverpool appearance
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Empire Of The Kop or go back to LFC Live.
Andoni Iraola has provided an encouraging update on the fitness of Jeremy Jacquet after Liverpool’s defeat to Monaco this afternoon.The French defender officially joined the Reds on 1 July, with his transfer from Rennes having been agreed five months previously, but an injury issue has precluded him from partaking in any of our first four pre-season fixtures.The head coach was hopeful of having the 21-year-old back for the game against Leeds last weekend, but the summer arrival has yet to make an appearance for his new club.Iraola hints at new comeback date for JacquetIn Jacquet’s absence, Liverpool conceded another three goals to Monaco today, relinquishing a 2-0 lead for the second Sunday in succession, and Iraola was asked for an update on the centre-back after the game.The 44-year-old explained to LFCTV (via Sky Sports): “With Jeremy we decided not to put him in today, but he should be fine for the next game. He’s taken a little bit more time than we expected.”Want more Empire of the Kop coverage?
Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustLiverpool could do with having Jacquet fit for next SundayIdeally, Jacquet would’ve had a full pre-season to integrate with his new teammates and familiarise himself with Iraola’s tactical blueprint prior the start of competitive action this month, but unfortunately that hasn’t been the case.It’s good to hear that he’s on course to feature in one of the two matches against Como next Sunday, but that’ll be his last chance to get minutes into his legs before the Premier League opener away to Newcastle in a fortnight’s time.The 21-year-old hasn’t played at all in the last six months, with his most recent appearance coming in Rennes’ defeat to Lens in early February, when he picked up a shoulder injury which prematurely ended his season.His positional colleague Ifeanyi Ndukwe enjoyed another terrific outing against Monaco today, but work permit issues mean that Liverpool will have to loan out the teenager for the upcoming campaign in order for him to gain senior experience.With the Reds playing two games against Como next weekend, there should be scope for Jacquet to feature in at least one of those and get some valuable minutes on the pitch before the serious business begins at St James’ Park seven days later.