Bold opening: A tangled medical mystery shadows Jeremy Jacquet’s future, as Liverpool’s £60m signing faces a pivotal decision that could shape both clubs’ plans for the season.
Jeremy Jacquet, the young defender linked with Liverpool, has been sidelined by a serious shoulder injury for over three weeks, and a clear path to surgery remains unresolved. He was forced off with a dislocated shoulder during Rennes’ 3-1 defeat to Lens on February 7, and since then there has been no definitive move on whether he should undergo the operation.
There has been little concrete communication about Jacquet’s injury, with Rennes coach Franck Haise simply noting that the player was in treatment, undergoing rehabilitation, and working in the gym. This lack of explicit updates has left both clubs weighing the options amid ongoing dialogue about the best course of action for the defender’s long-term health and career.
A French report from Ouest France describes the situation as a “thorny issue,” highlighting potential conflicts of interest between Liverpool and Rennes as they consider the next steps for the 20-year-old.
What keeps the situation particularly complex is the absence of progress on surgery. Jacquet posted an update from the gym this weekend, effectively signaling there has been little advancement toward an operation.
Why Liverpool may push for surgery
Liverpool are likely to advocate for surgery to minimize the risk of further shoulder problems in the future. Rennes, however, are wary that a surgical intervention could end Jacquet’s season prematurely, potentially delaying or derailing his chance to prove himself at Rennes or at a new club.
The report suggests a tension: Jacquet might feel torn between returning to play for Rennes and the imperative to secure a clean, successful integration with Liverpool if the move goes ahead.
Rennes’ tactical situation also matters. New coach Franck Haise has shifted Rennes to a four-man defense with Anthony Rouault and Lilian Brassier at center-back, which could cushion Jacquet’s absence somewhat. In Rennes’ plans without their No. 97, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal and Alidu Seidu emerge as alternative options.
Injury history overview
- 2024/25 Shoulder: 30 days missed, 3 games missed
- 2024/25 Knock: 6 days, 1 game
- 2024/25 Calf: 4 days, 1 game
- 2025/26 Calf: 12 days, 1 game
- 2025/26 Shoulder (current): 23 days and counting, 3 games missed
Data sourced from Transfermarkt and current as of March 2, 2026.
This marks Jacquet’s second shoulder injury. Earlier in the 2024/25 season with Clermont, he missed a month, which puts extra emphasis on a careful and thorough recovery this time around.
Liverpool are eager to reach a final decision on the transfer and the medical path soon, especially with pre-season scheduled to begin in early July. Manager Arne Slot will be hoping to have Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni, and Conor Bradley all available for the start of preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.
Contemporary pause and next steps
As the medical teams navigate the best route—whether surgical intervention or continued rehabilitation—this situation remains a focal point for both clubs. The choice will influence not only Jacquet’s immediate availability but also Liverpool’s defensive squad planning and Rennes’ squad dynamics as they head into a busy summer.
Would you side with prioritizing long-term health with potential delays to Liverpool’s immediate plans, or push for a quicker resolution that could accelerate integration at Anfield but risk more surgery-related setbacks? Share your perspective in the comments.
