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The mood at the AXA Training Centre has taken a big step forward this week. Pre-season trips are done, the hard miles are in the tank, and the real business is right around the corner. Wednesday’s session brought a welcome sight for Liverpool fans: Jeremy Jacquet was fully involved with the squad for the first time since making his £60m summer move from Stade Rennais. It has been a patient, often frustrating road for the 21-year-old French defender. Liverpool agreed a £60 million deal to sign him from Stade Rennais, beating off heavy competition from Chelsea in the process. However, a severe shoulder injury suffered shortly after required surgery, cutting his season short in France. A secondary physical issue then kept him out of the summer tour in the United States, forcing him to watch his new team-mates from the sidelines. Now fully fit, Jacquet is finally in line to make his unofficial Liverpool debut this coming Sunday when Italian side Como visit Anfield. Head coach Andoni Iraola confirmed earlier this week that the young centre-back is in contention to play, giving fans a long-awaited first look at the player. Midfield boosts and the Curtis Jones picture Jacquet wasn’t the only positive figure back on the grass. Curtis Jones was also involved after sitting out last weekend’s 4-2 defeat against AS Monaco with a minor hip issue. The 25-year-old’s return to fitness gives Iraola immediate depth in midfield, particularly while Alexis Mac Allister continues to build up his engine following an extended post-World Cup holiday break. Off the pitch, rumors around Jones long-term future continue to circulate. Inter Milan remain keen on the midfielder as he enters the final 12 months of his contract, and reports suggest Liverpool could be willing to adjust their valuation before the transfer deadline. Defensive options and missing names The return of Jacquet comes at a critical time for Liverpool’s backline. With Virgil van Dijk anchored as the main figure in central defence, the spot alongside him remains open. New loan arrival Ronald Araujo was put through his paces on Wednesday and offers proven European pedigree, but a strong showing from Jacquet against Como could easily thrust him into the starting conversation. Araujo, Jacquet & Mac Allister join up with the squad for today's session at the AXA Training Centre! Watch 'Inside Training' now ? — Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 12, 2026 That extra defensive depth is badly needed given the current injury list. Young defender Giovanni Leoni is still recovering from severe ACL damage, with the club hoping he can return to action in September. Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike also remain sidelined long-term. Meanwhile, neither Joe Gomez nor Stefan Bajcetic were spotted in Wednesday’s session, leaving Iraola light on versatile cover. Sunday’s Anfield double-header Liverpool will complete their pre-season preparations this Sunday with back-to-back games against Cesc Fàbregas Como at Anfield. The day begins with a behind-closed-doors match at 12:00 PM BST, designed primarily to give squad members and fringe players vital minutes. That will be followed by a full-scale fixture in front of the Anfield crowd at 6:00 PM BST. With two full weeks of uninterrupted training available before the post-international break schedule takes over, Sunday represents Iraola’s final opportunity to test his tactical ideas and get crucial match sharpness into the squad before the real work begins.