Liverpool summer signing Jeremy Jacquet has provided a major injury boost for the start of pre-season, having missed four months following shoulder surgery.
Jacquet was officially unveiled as a Liverpool player on July 1, completing a transfer from Rennes worth up to £60 million.
The Frenchman is expected to immediately slot in alongside Virgil van Dijk as new first-choice centre-back, with there high hopes for the 20-year-old.
There had been concerns over whether Jacquet would be fully fit for the start of pre-season, however, having undergone surgery on a shoulder injury in March.
But he has taken part in team training with Liverpool U21s this week including ball work and small-sided games, with it clear he is ready to join pre-season with the first team.
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Andoni Iraola watched as Jacquet and Harvey Elliott joined the young Reds’ session on Thursday, before the senior side return to the AXA Training Centre on July 14.
Elliott’s involvement comes after barely playing last season on loan at Aston Villa and having made a commitment to prove his fitness and potentially earn a long-term role under the new head coach.
Midfielder James McConnell is another who reported early for pre-season, with the 21-year-old missing the second half of last term after surgery ended his spell at Ajax.
Jacquet, Elliott and McConnell will be among the first-team squad in the early weeks of pre-season, while Stefan Bajcetic can also hope to take part.
Will Stefan Bajcetic be fit for pre-season?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Stefan Bajcetic before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It is unknown at this stage whether Bajcetic has been cleared for team training, but the Spaniard has reported for preparatory work at the AXA after a lengthy fitness battle.
Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Wataru Endo are in the building but are yet to return to outdoor work due to long-term injuries, though Giovanni Leoni is nearing a comeback after tearing his ACL in September.
Speaking upon his unveiling earlier this month, Jacquet told LFCTV: “My shoulder is much better now, and as part of my rehab I’m now back out on the grass.
“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 I left Rennes].
“And so now, this summer, I’m going to do everything I can to come back here 100 percent fit.”
He added: “I will be 100 percent fit in time for next season, for sure.”