Liverpool are awaiting an assessment of centre-back Jeremy Jacquet's fitness problem, which could see him miss Sunday's Premier League showdown against Manchester City. The 21-year-old was absent from France's 4-1 Nations League win over Belgium on Monday due to a “strain to his left hamstring,” according to the French Football Federation. France coach Zinedine Zidane described Jacquet as “slightly injured.”
Jacquet has been a consistent presence for Liverpool this season, starting six of their seven matches alongside Virgil van Dijk in central defence. Head coach Andoni Iraola has defensive cover in Ronald Araujo, on loan from Barcelona, and Joe Gomez.
Further concerns for Liverpool involve forwards Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo, whose international duties were cut short. Isak returned from Sweden's camp with a minor thigh problem, while Gakpo's ankle injury is reportedly more serious. Should both be unavailable, Iraola may need to adapt his attacking line-up, potentially utilising summer signing Bradley Barcola in a central role or moving Florian Wirtz further forward from his number 10 position.
Liverpool, currently unbeaten in the Premier League, have drawn three of their opening five matches, leaving them six points behind early pace-setters Manchester City, who have a perfect record. The Reds have shown recent defensive strength, keeping three clean sheets in the league after a shaky start to the season.