Jacquet's Long Road Back Could Delay Liverpool Debut; Reds Eye Stuttgart's Jeltsch as Insurance

Liverpool's midfield reshuffle plans have hit an early snag, with Jeremy Jacquet's recovery timeline casting doubt over his availability for the start of next season. The Rennes defender, signed for £60m on transfer deadline day, suffered a left shoulder injury in his side's 3-1 defeat to Lens on February 7, forcing his campaign to an early close.

Surgery is scheduled to take place this week, but the prognosis makes for grim reading. According to medical expertise cited by L'Equipe, Jacquet faces a lengthy rehabilitation period that could stretch into early September—potentially ruling him out of the Reds' opening fixtures.

A doctor with Ligue 1 experience outlined the recovery parameters to the French outlet: "If it's an instability (dislocation or equivalent), you have to expect about five months for a return to normal contact, duels, challenges, and falling without problems. Four months for those with a rapid rehabilitation plan and six months for those with a slower one."

When Arne Slot secured Jacquet's signature during the winter window, the Liverpool manager expressed genuine enthusiasm about the acquisition. Speaking to reporters at the time, Slot said: "Very pleased of course, because first of all he's a very big talent, maybe even more than a talent – but we speak about talent because of his age of course. Second of all, because we weren't the only ones interested in him."

Slot went on to praise the club's recruitment strategy, describing Jacquet as representative of Liverpool's approach to building for the future. "Another example of the model we are using at this club. Young, very talented players, sometimes at the start of their careers, sometimes already a few years in. But always players that are young and can improve us and help us for the short but definitely also for the long term," he explained.

The injury complication has prompted Liverpool to explore defensive reinforcements for the summer window. With Ibrahima Konate's future remaining uncertain and their backline's recent performances drawing criticism, the club are already scouting alternatives.

Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch has landed on Liverpool's radar, according to SportsBoom. The German prospect carries a valuation between €30m and €35m (£26-30m), with Stuttgart keen to retain their young talent. However, a substantial offer from a Premier League heavyweight could prove persuasive.

Liverpool scouts have been spotted monitoring Jeltsch during Stuttgart's recent home matches, specifically observing how the defender handles pressure situations. Arsenal have similarly taken an interest in the 21-year-old prospect, with early, aggressive bids from either club potentially decisive in securing his services.