**Liverpool aren’t without injury problems heading into the new season, but reliable journalist James Pearce has provided a key update regarding one player.**
It was a disappointing first game at Anfield as head coach for Andoni Iraola on Sunday, as his Reds side lost 3-2 against Monaco after leading 2-0 at half-time.
Despite this, the Spaniard [still found positives from the defeat](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/andoni-iraola-reaction-liverpool-2-3-monaco-fitness-update-anfield-reception-and-more), not least the return of influential legendary figures such as Alisson and Virgil van Dijk:
_“I think they were in different levels but mostly they were in a good place. I think the ones that it was their first game, or even the ones that it was their second game, they had energy. The problem is right now probably they don’t have the energy for 90 minutes and they start to get tired. It will take time with them, we need more training with them. But we can take a lot of positives, but also a lot of negatives from today.”_
Someone who didn’t feature for Liverpool at all was new signing Jeremy Jacquet, who continues to recover from injury since his summer move from Rennes.
Taking to [_X_](https://x.com/JamesPearceLFC/status/2086495735281819738?s=20) on Sunday, though, Pearce claimed in a 10-word update that the Frenchman’s return is imminent, saying: _“He should be fine to feature v Como next weekend.”_
**Will Jeremy Jacquet be fit to start for Liverpool vs Newcastle?**
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This is a big boost for Liverpool, with Jacquet expected to play a part in one of the two friendlies against Como at Anfield this Sunday, making his first appearance for the Reds.
Whether he is deemed ready to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park in the Premier League opener is up for debate, though, and it feels more likely that he won’t.
Iraola has a potential headache at the heart of his defence going into that match, in terms of who is going to partner him at centre-back if it isn’t Jacquet.
Joe Gomez is injured, incoming loan signing Ronald Araujo likely won’t be match fit and youngster Giovanni Leoni is returning from an injury of his own. Impressive teenager Ifeanyi Ndukwe also isn’t an option because he hasn’t been granted a UK work permit.
If Jacquet plays enough against Como and looks ready, he may have to be thrown in, or Wataru Endo would be a rather desperate choice at centre-back.