Liverpool face Jacquet fitness concern before Manchester City visit

Liverpool are waiting to learn whether Jeremy Jacquet will be available for Sunday’s meeting with Manchester City after the defender returned from international duty with a hamstring problem.

The 21-year-old felt a strain in his left hamstring during training with France and was omitted from their 4-1 Nations League win over Belgium on Monday. The French Football Federation described the injury as a “strain to his left hamstring”, while head coach Zinedine Zidane said Jacquet was “slightly injured”.

Liverpool will assess the centre-back further before deciding whether he can feature against City at Anfield.

Jacquet had started France’s previous two matches against Italy and Belgium, making a positive impression in his first senior international appearances. However, he was unable to play in the second meeting with Belgium after suffering the injury.

He has also been a regular for Liverpool this season, starting six of their seven matches alongside Virgil van Dijk in central defence. His possible absence would add to the concerns facing head coach Andoni Iraola before City’s visit.

Liverpool can call on Ronald Araujo, who became available following his loan move from Barcelona, while Joe Gomez offers another defensive option.

The club are also monitoring fitness problems affecting two forwards after the international break. Alexander Isak was released early from Sweden duty because of a minor thigh issue, and Cody Gakpo suffered an ankle injury while with the Netherlands.

Should both players be unavailable, Iraola may need to use Bradley Barcola in a central attacking role. Barcola is more accustomed to operating out wide, while Florian Wirtz could be moved further forward from his usual position as a number 10.

Liverpool will hope Jacquet’s hamstring problem is not serious as they prepare for a high-profile match against City.