Liverpool’s long-term defensive plans have been dealt an early blow after newly signed centre-back Jeremy Jacquet suffered a serious shoulder injury that could require surgery, putting the remainder of his season in doubt before he has even pulled on a red shirt.
The 20-year-old defender, who agreed a £60 million move from French club Stade Rennais to Liverpool last week, sustained the injury during Rennes’ 3-1 Ligue 1 defeat to Lens on Saturday.
Jacquet, who is scheduled to arrive at Anfield in the summer, was forced off midway through the second half after landing awkwardly during a defensive challenge, immediately clutching his shoulder in visible discomfort.
The incident has sparked concern both in France and on Merseyside, with Rennes head coach Habib Beye confirming after the match that the injury is serious.
Speaking to reporters, Beye said the club would need time to fully assess the damage but admitted the early signs were troubling. “For Jeremy, it’s his shoulder,” Beye explained. “We’ll have time to see, but it’s definitely quite serious.”
Jacquet has been one of Rennes’ most dependable players this season, featuring in every available minute when not suspended, and his absence would be a major setback for a side already struggling for form.
Rennes have now lost four consecutive matches across Ligue 1 and domestic cup competitions, conceding 12 goals during that run, and the loss of their first-choice centre-back has only deepened concerns around their defensive stability.
Further alarm was raised after French outlet L’Equipe reported that the injury may require surgical intervention to repair the damage.
If confirmed, such an operation would sideline Jacquet for several weeks and could potentially end his season prematurely, depending on the severity of the shoulder injury and his recovery timeline.
Liverpool are closely monitoring developments, aware that while Jacquet is not expected to join the club until the summer, a serious injury could impact his preparation, fitness levels and integration into the squad ahead of the 2026 campaign.
The Reds invested heavily in the young defender, viewing him as a key part of their defensive future, and any prolonged absence would be far from ideal.
The situation is particularly concerning given Liverpool’s recent history with young defensive signings and injuries. Last summer’s highly-rated arrival Giovanni Leoni was ruled out for the entire season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury on his Reds debut in September.
That setback forced Liverpool to rethink their defensive rotation and increased the workload on senior players during a demanding campaign.
Jacquet’s case is different in timing but similar in consequence, as Liverpool had hoped the Frenchman would complete the season injury-free before reporting for pre-season in peak condition.
Instead, the club now faces the possibility of managing another expensive defensive recruit returning from a lengthy rehabilitation process.
Despite the looming uncertainty, Jacquet had deliberately chosen to remain with Rennes for the remainder of the season rather than pushing for an immediate January move to Anfield.
The defender was keen to help his boyhood club secure European qualification and continue his development through regular first-team football before making the step up to the Premier League.
That decision, while understandable from a sporting perspective, now carries an element of misfortune, as the injury occurred just days after his Liverpool transfer was finalised.
Rennes, meanwhile, must now navigate the rest of the campaign without one of their most consistent performers, at a time when defensive solidity is urgently needed.
Liverpool’s medical staff will liaise closely with their counterparts in France to assess Jacquet’s condition and determine the best course of action.
While surgery is not yet confirmed, the mere possibility has heightened anxiety among supporters eager to see how the £60m signing fits into Arne Slot’s long-term plans at Anfield.
Should Jacquet require an operation, the focus will shift to ensuring a full recovery rather than rushing him back into action. Shoulder injuries can vary widely in severity, and rehabilitation timelines often depend on whether the damage involves ligaments, cartilage or recurring instability.
From Liverpool’s perspective, the priority will be protecting their investment and ensuring Jacquet arrives in England physically ready to adapt to the pace and intensity of English football. Any setback in that process would inevitably delay his transition and increase pressure on the club’s existing defensive options.
For Rennes, the loss could not come at a worse time. Their recent run of defeats has dragged them away from European contention, and conceding goals at an alarming rate has exposed structural weaknesses at the back.
Jacquet’s injury removes a key pillar from their defensive unit and places additional responsibility on an already stretched squad.
As the situation unfolds, Liverpool fans will be hoping for positive news from France, with the ideal outcome being that surgery is avoided and Jacquet can return to action before the end of the season.
Until then, the promising defender’s Anfield journey remains on pause, overshadowed by an injury that threatens to derail momentum at a crucial stage of his career.
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