Jérémy Jacquet, the highly-rated 20-year-old central defender set to join Liverpool this summer in a deal worth up to £60 million, suffered a serious shoulder injury during Stade Rennais’ 3-1 Ligue 1 defeat to RC Lens on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The incident occurred in the 69th minute at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, when Jacquet fell awkwardly after challenging for a ball, clutching his left shoulder in visible agony before being substituted by Mahamadou Nagida.

The young Frenchman, who has made 19 Ligue 1 appearances this season and impressed with his composure, physicality, and ball-playing ability, was helped off the pitch by medical staff while cradling his arm in an improvised sling fashioned from his own shirt. Rennes head coach Habib Beye confirmed the injury’s severity in his post-match press conference, stating: “For Jeremy, it’s his shoulder, and for Abdelhamid [Ait Boudlal, another Rennes defender injured earlier in the match] it’s muscular. We’ll have time to see, but it’s definitely quite serious for both of them.”

No official diagnosis has been released yet, as Jacquet is expected to undergo scans and specialist assessments in the coming days. Early speculation among football observers and medical experts points to two primary possibilities: a fractured clavicle (collarbone), which typically requires 6-8 weeks of recovery with immobilization and rehabilitation, or a more severe shoulder dislocation with potential labral or ligament damage, which could sideline him for 3-4 months or longer if surgery is required. The awkward nature of the fall — landing heavily on the shoulder with force — increases concerns about structural damage beyond a simple bruise or strain.

The timing could not be worse for Liverpool. The club finalized the transfer agreement earlier this week, with Jacquet completing his medical and set to remain at Rennes until the end of the 2025-2026 season before linking up with Arne Slot’s squad. Seen as a long-term successor or partner to aging defenders like Virgil van Dijk, Jacquet’s arrival was hailed as a strategic coup for the Reds’ defensive future. His versatility, aerial dominance, and ability to progress play from the back made him one of the most sought-after young talents in Ligue 1.

Rennes’ defeat to Lens, who sit atop the Ligue 1 table as surprise leaders, compounded the misery. The Breton side has struggled defensively in recent weeks, conceding heavily in multiple matches, and losing two center-backs in one game — Ait Boudlal to a muscular issue in the first half and Jacquet in the second — leaves Habib Beye’s team vulnerable ahead of key fixtures, including an upcoming clash with PSG.

For Jacquet personally, this setback revives memories of past injury struggles. The defender has a history of shoulder issues, including a dislocation during his early days at Rennes, alongside other setbacks like Osgood-Schlatter disease and a meniscus problem that limited his minutes earlier in his career. A loan spell at Clermont in January 2024 helped him regain form, but consistency has been key to his breakout season.

Liverpool supporters and pundits have expressed concern online, with many fearing the injury could delay his integration or affect his confidence upon arrival. Arne Slot, who has praised Jacquet as a “perfect fit” for the club’s style, will likely monitor updates closely alongside the medical team. While the transfer remains intact — as it is a pre-agreed summer move — any prolonged absence risks disrupting pre-season preparations and early campaign momentum.

The broader impact on Rennes cannot be understated. Already dealing with a poor run of form, the loss of Jacquet, one of their most promising academy products, weakens an already thin defensive unit. Fans at Roazhon Park will hope for a swift recovery, but the uncertainty looms large.

As scans loom and recovery timelines become clearer, the football world watches closely. For a player on the cusp of a dream move to one of Europe’s elite clubs, this injury serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of a young career. Jacquet’s resilience through past setbacks offers hope, but the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether he arrives at Anfield fit and ready — or facing a battle to regain full fitness.

Get-well messages have flooded in from teammates, rivals, and fans alike, underscoring the respect he commands at just 20 years old. Whatever the diagnosis, Jérémy Jacquet’s journey to the Premier League has hit an unexpected hurdle — one that will test his determination more than ever.