This is the Liverpool training update I wanted to see.
Jérémy Jacquet has returned to team training at the AXA Training Centre ahead of Sunday’s huge meeting with Manchester City.
And after the worry surrounding his hamstring during the international break, I’m taking that as a very positive sign.
There is still no guarantee that Jacquet will start against City.
But seeing him back out on the training pitch with his Liverpool teammates is exactly what supporters wanted.
At least one of Liverpool’s injury worries appears to be moving in the right direction.
Jacquet is back — and that’s massive
Jacquet missed France’s game against Belgium after feeling a strain in his left hamstring.
France made the decision not to risk him, which was sensible after he had started their previous two matches.
Naturally, Liverpool supporters immediately started worrying.
A hamstring problem just days before Manchester City arrive at Anfield is not exactly the sort of news you want during an international break.
But now we’ve seen Jacquet back in training.
And I’m bloody glad.
Because this lad has become hugely important to Liverpool already.
His partnership with Virgil van Dijk has been one of the biggest positives of the season.
Jacquet looks increasingly comfortable alongside the Liverpool captain, and the understanding between the two has been improving with every game.
Losing him for the City game would have been a major blow.
But where are Isak and Gakpo?
This is the part that Liverpool supporters won’t be able to ignore.
There was no sign of Alexander Isak or Cody Gakpo in the training pictures available so far.
That’s obviously not confirmation that either player will miss Sunday.
But it isn’t what we wanted to see either.
Both players returned early from international duty after picking up injuries.
Gakpo suffered an ankle injury with the Netherlands and returned to Liverpool for further assessment.
Isak also left Sweden’s camp after suffering what has been described as a minor thigh injury.
Andoni Iraola has already admitted that both players are currently injured and that Liverpool are waiting to see whether either can recover in time to face City.
So for now, we’re waiting.
And waiting.
And probably checking every single training photograph looking for a glimpse of either of them.
Jacquet being back changes things
If Jacquet is fit enough to play, it gives Iraola a much more settled defence.
Alisson behind Van Dijk and Jacquet.
Araújo continuing at right-back.
Kerkez or Tsimikas on the left.
That is a defensive unit I would feel reasonably comfortable with going into a game against Manchester City.
Especially considering how much Liverpool’s defence has improved recently.
The last thing Iraola needs is to start changing everything around because of injuries.
If Jacquet can play, he stays alongside Van Dijk.
Araújo can remain at right-back rather than being moved inside.
And Liverpool keep the defensive structure that has been developing over the last few weeks.
That’s important.
Now we need some good news about the attack
This is where I’m much more nervous.
Liverpool can cope with losing one attacker.
They can find solutions.
But losing both Isak and Gakpo against Manchester City would be a completely different challenge.
Especially because Hugo Ekitike is already out long term.
Suddenly Liverpool’s attacking options become much thinner.
Bradley Barcola could be asked to play a bigger role.
Rio Ngumoha is another option.
Lewis Koumas has just returned from a very busy international break with Wales.
Victor Muñoz could also come into the equation.
And perhaps Iraola has another solution that none of us are expecting.
That’s what managers are paid to work out.
But let’s be honest.
I’d much rather have Isak and Gakpo available.
This is still a massive game
Manchester City arrive at Anfield having won all five of their league games so far, while Liverpool have made an unbeaten start but drawn three of their seven matches.
Iraola knows exactly how difficult this one will be.
He has already admitted that Liverpool will have to be very good to beat City and praised their attacking threat.
That’s why getting Jacquet back is so important.
Liverpool need their strongest possible team for this.
And right now, at least one piece of good news has arrived.
Jérémy Jacquet is training.
That’s a huge positive.
Now we just need to see Isak and Gakpo walk through those training-ground doors.
I’m not asking for much.
Just two familiar faces in the next set of photographs.
Please, Liverpool.
Give us some good news.
Because Jacquet being back is brilliant.
But I won’t be completely relaxed until I see those two forwards back out there as well.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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