Amazing news! Andoni Iraola confirms star will return to Liverpool

Amazing news! Andoni Iraola confirms star will return to Liverpool Andoni Iraola has confirmed an exciting star is returning to Liverpool. Liverpool might have plenty of attention focused on their attacking targets and midfield rebuild, but there is another problem quietly developing at the back. Iraola has barely had the chance to work with a settled defence, and right now the centre-back situation is starting to look like a genuine concern. The timing really could not be worse. Liverpool entered pre-season hoping to build momentum under their new manager, but instead Iraola has been forced to deal with a shortage of senior defenders. Joe Gomez is currently unavailable through injury, while Giovanni Leoni is still recovering from the serious injury that kept him out for a significant period of time. Virgil van Dijk, meanwhile, has not yet featured in competitive action as he continues his preparations at the AXA Training Centre. Then there is Jeremy Jacquet, the club's new defensive signing, who has picked up a knock and has not been able to fully integrate into the squad. The result is a rather unusual situation for Liverpool. In their first two pre-season fixtures, the club's available centre-back options have effectively been Luke Chambers, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe. There is no doubt all three are promising young players. Liverpool's academy has produced several exciting talents in recent years, and these opportunities can be invaluable for their development. However, there is a huge difference between giving youngsters minutes in pre-season and relying on them as the foundation of your defence. For Iraola, this is far from the ideal preparation. A new manager needs time to establish defensive partnerships, introduce his tactical ideas and create an understanding between his defenders. Instead, he has been forced to constantly adapt and work with whoever is available. The situation should ease once players return. Van Dijk's leadership will be crucial, Gomez and Leoni will provide more options when fit, and Jacquet's injury is not expected to keep him out for an extended period. But the early warning signs are there. Liverpool's defensive depth is already being stretched before the season has even started, and it underlines why strengthening at the back could become another priority before the transfer window closes. Thankfully ahead of Liverpool's game against Leeds United on Sunday, there is some good news. Iraola speaking to LFCTV after Liverpool's victory over Wrexham confirmed that among the players returning to action against Leeds will be Jacquet. The Spaniard said he expects Jacquet to play an important part of the game on Sunday as per Anfield Sector . It will be a huge boost. Jacquet was expected to return to action against Leeds after his injury blow and it's great to get that confirmation from Iraola. Ndiaye and Ndukwe have done well in the Frenchman's absence however the player most Liverpool fans were looking forward to seeing out of the new centre-backs on tour was definitely Jacquet. He arrives with high hopes having established himself as one of the best young defenders on the planet. Now with his return to action he should be able to get a few games under his belt in these friendlies before the big test next month when Liverpool begin their Premier League campaign. It's going to be really exciting to see how he does. One thing is for sure, having Jacquet back is amazing news.