Oh, please let this be as minor as it sounds.
Liverpool fans have had enough injury scares during this international break, and the last thing anybody wanted to see was Jérémy Jacquet missing from the France team tonight against Belgium.
But thankfully, the early reports are encouraging.
Jacquet has picked up what has been described as a “little injury”, with journalist Julien Laurens reporting that the Liverpool defender would miss France’s game against Belgium.
Fabrice Hawkins then provided more detail, reporting that Jacquet felt a strain in his left hamstring and that France decided to leave him out of the team as a precaution.
And honestly?
That is exactly what I wanted to hear.
Don’t take any chances with Jacquet
Jacquet has been one of Liverpool’s biggest positives since arriving from Rennes.
The 21-year-old has settled remarkably quickly alongside Virgil van Dijk and has already become an important part of Andoni Iraola’s defence.
He’s also just had a fantastic international break.
Jacquet made his senior France debut and then followed that up with another impressive performance against Italy.
Zinedine Zidane was full of praise for him after the Italy game, particularly highlighting his bravery, his willingness to step out and his ability in the duels.
So the last thing France should be doing is taking any unnecessary risk with him.
If a player feels something in his hamstring, even something described as a small strain, why risk making it worse?
There is absolutely no need.
Liverpool have a much bigger game coming
And this is the bit Liverpool supporters will really care about.
Jacquet needs to be fit for Sunday.
Liverpool face Manchester City at Anfield on October 11, and that is a massive game for Iraola’s team.
Jacquet has been a huge part of Liverpool’s defensive improvement.
We’ve seen how much more comfortable the back line looks with van Dijk alongside him, while Ronald Araújo has also provided greater security on the right.
Liverpool have built something promising defensively.
We don’t want to lose Jacquet now.
Especially not for something that could potentially have been avoided by France simply being sensible.
And that appears to be exactly what has happened.
The timing is actually quite reassuring
There is another reason I’m not panicking.
Jacquet hasn’t apparently been withdrawn from the France squad altogether because of a serious injury.
France have simply decided not to risk him against Belgium.
Leny Yoro has come into the starting XI in his place, with Jacquet left out of the lineup.
That’s a sensible decision.
Jacquet has already played the full duration of France’s previous two matches during this international break, against Belgium and Italy.
He’s done what he needed to do.
He’s impressed Zidane.
He’s gained valuable international experience.
And now, if there is even a slight concern about his hamstring, France can simply give him a rest.
No drama. No unnecessary gamble.
That’s how it should be.
Liverpool fans have seen enough injury news already
Let’s be honest, though.
It’s difficult not to sigh when another Liverpool player picks up an injury during an international break.
Cody Gakpo has already returned to Liverpool after suffering an ankle issue with the Netherlands.
Alexander Isak has also had an injury concern with Sweden.
And now we’re hearing about Jacquet’s hamstring.
That’s three players Liverpool really don’t want to be worrying about.
Thankfully, Jacquet’s situation currently sounds considerably less alarming.
That’s all we can say at this stage because nobody knows exactly how he’ll respond over the next few days.
But if France are simply protecting him after he felt a strain, I’m completely fine with that.
I really don’t want Liverpool to rush him either
This is important.
If Jacquet isn’t 100 per cent fit for Liverpool’s game against Manchester City, I don’t want Iraola taking a stupid risk either.
Of course we want him playing.
Of course he’s become important.
But Liverpool have other options.
Van Dijk is there.
Araújo can play centrally.
Joe Gomez provides experience.
Liverpool have enough defensive options to cope if Jacquet needs a little extra time.
And that’s exactly why I would rather see Liverpool be cautious now than lose him for weeks because everybody decided to push him back too quickly.
Sunday is important.
But Jacquet’s entire season is much more important.
Hopefully, this is just a little scare
That’s all I’m hoping for.
Jacquet has had an outstanding start to life at Liverpool.
He’s gone away with France and shown Zidane that he belongs at international level.
He’s impressed alongside some of the best defenders in the country.
And now he’s got a chance to return to Liverpool and continue what has been a brilliant start to his Anfield career.
The fact France have taken him out of the lineup as a precaution is encouraging.
Now we just need to wait and see how he feels over the next few days.
Because Liverpool could really do with him against Manchester City.
Hopefully, this is nothing more than a little scare.
Give him the rest he needs.
Don’t take any chances.
And get Jérémy Jacquet back to Liverpool fit and ready for Sunday.
Fingers crossed.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
📺 Looking for more live football?
Want to keep up with live football and other major sporting events? DAZN offers live and on-demand sports coverage in the UK, including football, boxing, MMA and the NFL.
👉 [Check out the latest DAZN UK subscription options → [See the latest DAZN UK subscription options →]
This is an affiliate link. If you make a qualifying purchase through the link, The Kopite View may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
The Kopite View is an independent Liverpool FC fan site and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Liverpool Football Club.
Leave a Reply