Liverpool's incoming summer signing Jeremy Jacquet could be sidelined for up to three months after undergoing shoulder surgery. The 20-year-old defender fractured his shoulder in a match against Lens last month, forcing him to undergo an operation that effectively ended his time at Ligue 1 club Rennes.
Rennes confirmed the surgery was successful on March 12, stating: 'Successful intervention in Paris, speedy recovery.' While no official timeline has been given, French outlet Sport reports that Jacquet is expected to be out for between eight and 12 weeks.
The same report suggests Liverpool are 'panicking' over the extent of the injury, as the club had envisioned Jacquet forming a partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the start of next season. His recovery is expected to delay his integration, with the defender likely limited to a light pre-season and arriving without match fitness.
Liverpool beat Chelsea to Jacquet's signature after agreeing a £60million deal with Rennes, with £55m paid up front and £5m in add-ons. Manager Arne Slot described Jacquet as 'a very big talent' and praised the club's recruitment model for securing such a promising young player.
Jacquet's move comes as Liverpool prepare for another defensive evolution, following the serious knee injury suffered by Giovanni Leoni, who was signed from Parma last summer but had his debut season cut short.
