Here’s a gut-wrenching update for football fans: Jeremy Jacquet’s season is officially over, as the promising young defender prepares to undergo surgery for a severe shoulder injury. But here’s where it gets even more heartbreaking—this setback comes just as Jacquet was poised to make a high-profile move to Liverpool, following a £60 million deal secured in the winter transfer window. Let’s dive into the details and explore what this means for his future.
Jacquet, who dislocated his shoulder during Rennes’ 3-1 defeat to Lens on February 7, had initially hoped to avoid surgery. Both the player and the club delayed the decision, opting for a conservative approach with gym-based rehabilitation. However, almost a month later, it’s clear that surgery is unavoidable, as his shoulder failed to improve. This decision, while tough, is crucial to prevent further complications and ensure a full recovery.
And this is the part most people miss: Jacquet’s journey at Rennes has been nothing short of remarkable. Joining the club at just 14 years old in 2019, he rose through the ranks to become a first-team regular, even helping his boyhood club push for European football this season. Now, as he shifts his focus to recovery, fans can’t help but wonder: Will he be ready for Liverpool’s pre-season in July?
The recovery timeline for a shoulder luxation (dislocation) surgery is no walk in the park. Here’s a breakdown of what Jacquet faces:
- Weeks 0-6: Immobilisation – The arm is kept in a sling to protect the surgical repair and allow ligaments to reattach to the bone.
- Weeks 6-12: Range of Motion – The sling comes off, and physical therapy begins to restore flexibility, though contact and heavy lifting remain off-limits.
- Months 3-4: Strength & Conditioning – The focus shifts to rebuilding the rotator cuff, with non-contact training introduced to maintain cardiovascular fitness.
- Months 5-6: Contact & Match Fitness – Full-contact training and controlled falling drills are reintroduced, with a return to competitive play contingent on regaining match sharpness.
While the best-case scenario has Jacquet back in time for pre-season, there’s a chance his recovery could extend into the start of the 2026/27 season. But here’s the controversial question: Will Jacquet slot in as a starter for Liverpool, or will he begin as a backup to the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate? With Arne Slot at the helm, rotation could become more fluid, especially if Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley are also in the mix.
Speaking of squad dynamics, Joe Gomez’s future remains uncertain, with his contract expiring in July 2027 and interest from clubs like AC Milan. Will Jacquet’s arrival influence Gomez’s decision? Only time will tell.
As Jacquet bids farewell to Rennes—where he made 33 senior appearances and established himself as a first-choice starter—fans are left wondering: Is this the end of an era, or just the beginning of something even greater? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think Jacquet will thrive at Liverpool, or will his injury setback prove to be a long-term challenge?
