Jérémy Jacquet injury status detailed following French Football Federation statement

Will Liverpool's new defensive sensation miss the biggest match of the season so far? Liverpool supporters now face an agonising wait over the coming days after summer breakout star Jérémy Jacquet missed international action on Monday evening.

Having made an instant impact following his big-money move from Rennes and locking down a starting berth alongside Virgil van Dijk, news of a hamstring setback for the 21-year-old French centre-back creates the exact scenario Andoni Iraola wanted to avoid ahead of Sunday's blockbuster clash against Manchester City at Anfield. Forced out of international duty France completely left Jacquet out of their squad for their UEFA Nations League encounter against Belgium on Monday night.

Consequently, French manager Zinedine Zidane shuffled his backline and handed Manchester United defender Leny Yoro his international debut. Meanwhile, the French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed via Get French Football News that the young defender felt a strain in his left hamstring prior to kickoff.

Because the medical staff refused to take unnecessary risks over his long-term fitness, France sidelined Jacquet to prevent further damage before he returned to club duty. Speaking directly to reporters after France's 4-1 victory over Belgium, Zidane confirmed the situation: "Jeremy (Jacquet) was slightly injured.

Unfortunately, this issue brings a frustrating, premature end to what started as a dream first senior call-up for Jacquet. Indeed, the 21-year-old had impressed across his first two senior appearances for Les Bleus, playing a full 90 minutes in a 1-0 victory against Belgium and delivering a commanding performance in a 1-1 draw against Italy just three days prior.

Naturally, Zidane thoroughly admired Jacquet's tactical bravery, showering the young defender with glowing praise following the Italy match: Very good. He wasn't afraid to come out a long way.

He was, once again, very good. I said it four times!" A cruel blow to Jacquet's flying Anfield start For Kopites, watching Jacquet earn such public backing from a footballing legend like Zidane validated everything Anfield has witnessed this season.

Ever since he made his Premier League debut in the 2-2 draw at Newcastle United, Jacquet has anchored Iraola's defense as Van Dijk's primary partner. Furthermore, that rapid adaptation explains why this hamstring strain strikes such a heavy blow.

Speaking before the international break, Iraola discussed how Jacquet was overcoming early-season fatigue and building up his physical endurance: "I think in the first games, physically he was feeling the change of rhythm, he was finishing with cramps, finishing really tired and we had to sub him. Today has been a step forward."