“I will be 100% fit” – Liverpool handed huge injury boost ahead of pre-season | OneFootball

Jacquet hands Liverpool and Iraola timely fitness boost ahead of pre-season

Liverpool’s preparations for the new campaign have received a significant lift after new signing Jeremy Jacquet delivered an encouraging update on his recovery from injury, raising hopes that he will be available from the very start of Andoni Iraola’s reign.

The young central defender officially arrived at Anfield this week after his transfer from Rennes was confirmed, having agreed the move during the winter transfer window before remaining in France for the rest of last season.

Although a shoulder injury curtailed his final months in Ligue 1, Jacquet now believes the worst is behind him and is confident he will report for pre-season fully fit. That news will be welcomed by Iraola, who is preparing for his first summer in charge of Liverpool and will be eager to assess his new squad as early as possible.

Jacquet provides encouraging recovery update

Speaking during an interview with LFCTV following confirmation of his Liverpool move, Jacquet explained that his rehabilitation is progressing well and that he is approaching full fitness.

He said: “My shoulder is much better now, and as part of my rehab I’m now back out on the grass on my own.

“The surgeon has given me the go-ahead to start training with the group again, but unfortunately it was preferred to just hold off on that before leaving Rennes. This summer, I’m going to do everything I can to come back here 100% fit.”

Those comments should reassure Liverpool supporters who were naturally concerned after the defender suffered the first significant injury of his professional career.

When asked directly whether he expected to be available for the beginning of pre-season, Jacquet left little room for doubt.

He replied: “Yes, yes, I will be 100% fit in time for next season, for sure.”

That confidence suggests Liverpool’s medical staff will soon have another central defensive option available as preparations begin for the Premier League campaign.

Iraola receives welcome defensive boost

For Iraola, having Jacquet available during pre-season could prove almost as important as having him ready for the opening weekend.

Summer training offers a new head coach the opportunity to establish tactical principles, develop partnerships and evaluate players within a competitive environment. Missing that period can often leave new arrivals playing catch-up once competitive fixtures begin.

Jacquet’s expected return therefore gives Iraola the chance to integrate the French defender from an early stage rather than managing his workload deep into the campaign.

Liverpool have placed considerable faith in the 20-year-old, investing around £60 million to secure one of France’s most highly-rated defensive prospects. Allowing him to build fitness alongside his new team-mates should help accelerate his adaptation to English football.

With pre-season fixtures approaching quickly, Jacquet’s recovery timeline appears to have fallen almost perfectly into place.

Opportunity awaits at Liverpool

Competition for places at Liverpool is never straightforward, particularly in central defence, but Jacquet arrives with an opportunity to establish himself quickly if he can remain fit.

His physical profile, composure in possession and ability to defend aggressively made him one of the standout young defenders in Ligue 1 before injury interrupted his progress.

Importantly, this shoulder problem represents the first lengthy absence of his career rather than part of a recurring pattern. That should provide encouragement both for Liverpool’s coaching staff and for supporters eager to see their newest signing in action.

Fitness permitting, Jacquet will now look to impress throughout pre-season and demonstrate why Liverpool moved decisively to secure his signature months before the summer transfer window officially opened.

His own determination is unmistakable, with every indication that he intends to arrive on Merseyside ready to compete immediately.

Focus turns towards pre-season preparations

Attention will now shift towards Liverpool’s pre-season programme, where Jacquet hopes to complete the final stage of his recovery under the supervision of the club’s medical and coaching staff.

Every training session and friendly fixture will represent another opportunity to rebuild match sharpness while learning Iraola’s tactical demands.

For Liverpool, the prospect of beginning the new season with another fully fit central defender can only strengthen the squad’s options. For Jacquet personally, it represents the chance to put an unfortunate injury behind him and begin the next chapter of his career with confidence.

His optimistic update suggests Liverpool supporters may not have long to wait before seeing one of the club’s newest recruits wearing the famous red shirt.