Liverpool may be without their first-choice centre-back partnership at the start of pre-season, but Arne Slot has received a major injury boost ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
With the season now over, the Reds squad are taking their post-season breaks before many depart for international duty at this summer’s World Cup. Liverpool are scheduled to return for pre-season training in early July.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate — if he signs a new contract extension — are expected to miss the opening sessions due to their involvement with the Netherlands and France respectively.
However, according to The Athletic’s James Pearce, both Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni are set to be fit for the start of pre-season training.
Jacquet has been sidelined since February after suffering a serious shoulder injury shortly after completing his £60million move from Rennes, with the defender undergoing season-ending surgery.
Meanwhile, Leoni missed most of his debut campaign at Liverpool after tearing his ACL against Southampton in the Carabao Cup in September.
Both defenders are nearing the final stages of their rehabilitation programmes, providing a significant boost for Slot ahead of the new season.
Joe Gomez is also expected to be available from the start of pre-season, while youngsters Mor Talla Ndiaye, Amara Nallo and new signing Ifeanyi Ndukwe could also feature during the summer friendlies, including Liverpool’s tour of the United States.
Liverpool will still be without Hugo Ekitike for most of 2026, while Conor Bradley continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.
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