Jeremy Jacquet's season is over, and the young Liverpool centre-back is set to undergo surgery for a serious shoulder injury. The 20-year-old's season will likely end prematurely, with the operation scheduled for March 2026. This is a bitter blow for Jacquet, who had been pushing his boyhood club, Rennes, towards European football this term. But here's the twist: despite his determination to avoid surgery, the recurring shoulder dislocation has made it inevitable.
The injury occurred during Rennes' 3-1 loss to Lens on February 7, and almost a month later, it was decided that Jacquet would need surgery. The standard recovery window for a shoulder luxation surgery is 4 to 6 months, and with the season ending on May 16, his chances of playing again this season are extremely slim.
Jacquet's move to Liverpool is set for the summer, with the club having agreed a £60 million deal at the end of the winter transfer window. The versatile defender will join as a backup centre-back initially, with Liverpool still hoping to secure a new long-term contract for Ibrahima Konate.
The recovery timeline for shoulder luxation surgery is as follows:
- Weeks 0-6: Immobilisation - The arm is kept in a sling to protect the surgical repair and allow the tissue to reattach to the bone.
- Weeks 6-12: Range of Motion - The sling is removed, and physical therapy begins to restore flexibility, with strict prohibition of heavy lifting and contact.
- Months 3-4: Strength & Conditioning - Focus on rebuilding the rotator cuff, with non-contact training on the grass to maintain cardiovascular fitness.
- Months 5-6: Contact & Match Fitness - Full-contact training and 'falling' drills are reintroduced, with a return to competitive action once match sharpness is regained.
Despite the setback, Jacquet's surgery offers a chance for him to be fit for the start of pre-season at the AXA Training Centre in July. However, there's a possibility his recovery could extend into the start of the season, with a four-to-six-month timeframe possible.
Arne Slot and the Liverpool coaching staff will hope to have Jacquet back in action alongside Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni, though all three will be approached with caution.
Jacquet's future at Liverpool looks bright, with the club hoping to build a strong defensive unit. The question remains: will he be a starter next season? Only time will tell, but his recovery and return to action will be a key focus for the club in the coming months.
