Liverpool’s Jacquet misses France clash with Belgium over hamstring concern

Liverpool defender Jacquet was withdrawn from France’s starting side shortly before Monday night’s Nations League meeting with Belgium at the Stade de France after reporting tightness in his left hamstring. France chose not to take a risk, with the decision described as precautionary ahead of his return to Merseyside.

Jacquet concern before Manchester City visit

The centre-back is due to undergo further checks with Liverpool’s medical staff once the international window is complete. His availability will be closely watched by Andoni Iraola ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against Manchester City at Anfield.

• Jacquet has played seven times for Liverpool in all competitions since joining from Rennes during the summer.
• He has formed a regular central-defensive pairing with Virgil van Dijk.
• France had already managed his workload during this Nations League campaign: he did not leave the bench for the 1-0 win over Turkiye, before completing 90 minutes in another 1-0 victory against Belgium and the 1-1 draw with Italy.
• Liverpool are sixth with nine points after five league games.
• Manchester City arrive with 15 points from five matches and a perfect start to the season.

The fixture gives Liverpool an early opportunity to reduce the gap to the leaders, but Jacquet’s hamstring issue adds uncertainty to Iraola’s defensive preparations.

Yoro handed first France appearance

Manchester United’s Leny Yoro was selected to take Jacquet’s place in the middle of the French defence. The change brought the defender his senior France debut, turning an injury precaution for one Premier League club into a significant international moment for another.

France, coached by Zinedine Zidane, began the evening top of the group, one point ahead of Belgium. The hosts therefore retained a narrow advantage over their rivals despite the late alteration to the back line.

Lavia continues for Belgium

Belgium again included Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia in their starting XI. Lavia kept his place after an encouraging full international debut the previous week, even though Belgium had lost their earlier encounter with France 1-0.

For Liverpool, however, the immediate focus will remain on Jacquet’s assessment and whether the hamstring tightness can settle in time for the visit of City.