Andoni Iraola has just been given the news he was desperately hoping for before Liverpool v Man City
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The international break curse struck Liverpool once again this September and October, as Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo were forced to withdraw from contention with Sweden and the Netherlands respectively.To make matters even worse, Jeremy Jacquet, having performed so impressively in his first two outings for France, was forced to sit out of Les Bleus’ win over Belgium on Monday.Although the absence of Isak and Gakpo would mean Liverpool being without their two best forwards of the season so far when they face Manchester City on Sunday, the potential void left by not having Jacquet available in defence was arguably a greater worry for Andoni Iraola. Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images Iraola has built Liverpool on defensive solidity so far this season, and to be missing Jacquet for their biggest test yet would have meant a reshuffling of a back line which has proven resolute in recent times.Thankfully, however, the 21-year-old was present and correct for training on Thursday, seemingly taking part in the full session and giving Reds fans – and Iraola – the news he must have been really hoping to hear before the biggest game of his tenure so far.Jeremy Jacquet set for Erling Haaland testObviously, it remains to be seen exactly whether Jacquet has any lasting damage from the international break, and there was obviously a reason he did not play for France.Manager Zinedine Zidane has been impressed by Jacquet, and with Dayot Upamecano suspended, the Liverpool No.
The fact that he did not even feature in the squad was a big concern.READ MORE: Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak may have joined Liverpool training after the cameras stopped rolling on ThursdayAll of the necessary checks will have been carried out back on Merseyside, and there is clearly a decision that needs to be made over the City game, but the fact that Jacquet appeared to train as normal suggests that he is going to be fine. There would be confidence in Araujo given what he has shown up to this point, but with Jeremy Doku primed to cause trouble on the left side, the presence of Frimpong at right-back would strike fear into the hearts of every Reds supporter.With the forward line already potentially weakened, Liverpool can ill-afford to be under-strength at the back as well.
That they look unlikely to have to deal with that setback is seriously good news.Given everything that has gone on regarding City and their financial rule-breaking since the last round of Premier League fixtures, it has been easy for Liverpool fans to forget that there are still 22 players who need to determine the result of this particular game. But in having Jacquet fit and available, the Liverpool head coach has just been handed the news which could define the fixture.