Jeremy Jacquet has felt “some discomfort,” leaving Liverpool opting for caution when it comes to the defender making his pre-season debut.
The Frenchman was one of the first senior players to report for pre-season training, seeking to get on the front foot after a shoulder injury ended his final season with Rennes early.
He travelled to the US and was expected to play a prominent role in friendlies against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds, but has not played a minute and is doubtful for the third and final match.
“With Jeremy we still don’t know if it’s worth it or not to put him in against Leeds,” Iraola admitted to LFCTV.
The centre-back did not train with the team on Friday or Saturday, instead remaining in the gym as the rest of the team prepared for Leeds.
With centre-back options slim, Liverpool are being “careful” with Jacquet’s pre-season programme as Iraola looks to avoid an issue that would stop him from partnering the 21-year-old with Virgil van Dijk.
“He did the first part of the pre-season, let’s say, very well,” Iraola continued. “Now he’s feeling some discomfort, so we don’t want to rush him.
“He comes from a lot of months without playing. And obviously I would like to try with him with Virgil when he recovers, because with the injury to Joe we’ve been without senior centre-backs.
“But we have to be careful with Jeremy, yes.”
Liverpool will face Leeds with teenagers Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye as centre-back options, in addition to Luke Chambers, who is a left-back by trade but can cover in central defence.
Ryan Gravenberch could also drop into the backline if needed, but Iraola will instead be keen on getting his senior players up to speed in the positions he will predominantly use them.
Positive Stefan Bajcetic and Wataru Endo injury update
In more positive news, Stefan Bajcetic and Wataru Endo are closer to making their pre-season friendly bows after a successful return to full training.
“Stefan is training basically fully with the team,” Iraola confirmed. “Wataru has started training more progressively but [is] very close to being ready.
“I hope Wata can play probably against Monaco. He should be able to have some minutes.”
Although their futures beyond the summer remain in doubt, their respective returns from injury offer a timely boost after long spells out of the side.
Beyond facing Leeds, Liverpool have three friendlies remaining this summer. They meet Monaco at Anfield on August 9 before a double-header against Como on August 16.
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1 circle collage (42)
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool USA Tour Day 12
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola and Josh Abe (R) during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Isak Wirtz Gravenberch
Isak Wirtz Gravenberch