Liverpool have received an early injury boost after summer signing Jeremy Jacquet returned to training ahead of Andoni Iraola’s first pre-season at Anfield.
The French defender has been working with Liverpool’s U21s at the AXA Training Centre after recovering from shoulder surgery. Iraola and sporting director Richard Hughes watched Thursday’s session as preparations for the new campaign began to take shape.
Harvey Elliott was also involved as he prepares for a potentially decisive pre-season.
Jeremy Jacquet returns to Liverpool training
Jacquet was officially unveiled as a Liverpool player this week after his transfer from Rennes was agreed during the January window.
The Reds beat Chelsea to the highly-rated centre-back and Football Place understands Liverpool paid a guaranteed £55 million, with a further £5m available in add-ons.
As part of the agreement, Jacquet remained with Rennes for the rest of the 2025/26 season. However, his final months in France were badly disrupted by injury.
The 20-year-old played only 159 minutes after his Liverpool transfer was confirmed before suffering a shoulder problem against Lens on 7 February.
Jacquet required surgery and did not play again during the campaign.
His return to training is therefore welcome news for Iraola, who will get his first proper opportunity to assess the defender when Liverpool’s senior squad begin pre-season next week.
Iraola watches new signing ahead of pre-season
Jacquet has been completing preparatory work with the U21 squad as he builds fitness following several months on the sidelines.
The fact that Iraola and Hughes were present for Thursday’s session underlines the interest in his recovery.
Liverpool have made a major investment in the France youth international and will want to manage his return carefully. Pre-season should provide the first indication of how quickly he can compete for a role in Iraola’s defence.
After such a long absence, however, the priority will be building fitness rather than rushing him back into competitive action.
Harvey Elliott gets fresh Liverpool opportunity
Elliott was another notable player involved in the session.
The 23-year-old returns to Liverpool after a difficult loan spell at Aston Villa, where he made only nine appearances across all competitions.
He was on the bench for the Europa League final and collected a winner’s medal, but his limited playing time has left his Liverpool future uncertain.
Elliott has now entered the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield. Pre-season will give him an opportunity to impress Iraola before a decision is made over his future.
Key points
- Jeremy Jacquet has returned to training after shoulder surgery.
- Liverpool paid Rennes £55m plus a possible £5m in add-ons.
- The defender had not played since suffering an injury on 7 February.
- Andoni Iraola watched Jacquet train with the U21s on Thursday.
- Harvey Elliott also took part ahead of a crucial pre-season.
- Liverpool’s senior squad begin pre-season next week.
What’s next?
Jacquet is expected to step up his preparations when Liverpool’s senior squad return for pre-season next week.
Iraola will also have the chance to assess Elliott before Liverpool decide what to do with the midfielder in the final year of his contract. For both players, the coming weeks could shape their roles at Anfield next season.
Can Jeremy Jacquet force his way into Liverpool’s starting defence this season?
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