Liverpool fast-track £60m signing Jeremy Jacquet for imminent debut
Liverpool are preparing to hand an imminent debut to £60m signing Jeremy Jacquet following a severe defensive injury crisis at Anfield.
The 21-year-old was initially brought in from Rennes during February to serve as an understudy to the established centre-back pairing.
However, circumstances have dramatically accelerated the Frenchman’s integration into the first team ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Ibrahima Konate departed Merseyside on a free transfer at the end of last season, leaving a significant structural void in the squad.
Defensive crisis forces Iraola’s hand
New head coach Andoni Iraola must also navigate severe fitness setbacks involving other key members of his backline.
Veteran defender Joe Gomez suffered another unfortunate injury during pre-season preparations, ruling him out of contention for the upcoming opener against Newcastle United.
Furthermore, teenage prospect Giovanni Leoni remains sidelined as he recovers from an anterior cruciate ligament tear sustained last September.
This severe depletion of resources means the Paris-born centre-half is now poised to partner captain Virgil van Dijk when the competitive action begins on 23 August.
Overcoming shoulder setbacks
The highly-rated defender has only recently recovered from a shoulder problem that prematurely curtailed his final season in Ligue 1.
A planned introductory appearance against Leeds United last weekend was postponed after the player reported minor physical discomfort.
Addressing the delay, the Spanish manager emphasized the immediate need to exercise caution with his major summer investment.
Iraola admitted that the medical and coaching staff needed to be “careful” with their new recruit ahead of a demanding domestic schedule.
Rebuilding a leaky backline
Optimism is now growing that the former Rennes star will feature in Sunday’s friendly against AS Monaco or the subsequent fixture with Como.
He arrives with immense pedigree after reportedly turning down lucrative approaches from both Chelsea and Bayern Munich earlier this year.
The overarching objective for the Reds is to significantly improve a vulnerable defence that conceded 53 goals during a disjointed title defence last term.