Stefan Bajcetic has been plagued by injuries since making his breakthrough at Liverpool, but the 20-year-old midfielder has now returned to first team training
Liverpool’s overlooked midfielder, Stefan Bajcetic, has made a return to first team training following a series of injury setbacks.
The 20-year-old academy prospect first made his mark for the Reds under Jurgen Klopp in the 2022-23 season, making 19 appearances and netting one goal. The legendary manager of England’s most successful club praised the then-18-year-old’s “exceptional” performances, describing him as a “top talent and super player”, adding: “It is a pure joy to work with him.”
However, Bajcetic’s progress was hampered by a string of fitness issues, including an adductor injury at the end of that season and then a significant calf issue during Klopp’s last season at Anfield. A hamstring injury was then sustained during his loan spell at La Liga outfit Las Palmas last campaign.
After resuming gym work in August, Bajcetic is now back on the pitch with his team-mates, aiming to catch the eye of manager Arne Slot. Liverpool are gearing up for a challenging encounter against newly-promoted Burnley at Turf Moor this Sunday.
Bajcetic’s journey to recovery has been fraught with difficulties. He had a tough time on loan at Red Bull Salzburg last season before finding form with Las Palmas, only to suffer a devastating setback that necessitated surgery, reports the Mirror.
Nonetheless, he seemed upbeat on Thursday, having been spotted training at Liverpool’s training ground. Bajcetic signed for Liverpool from Celta Vigo in 2020 at the tender age of 16.
He was touted as a future star for the Reds after breaking through under Klopp, but has since faced numerous obstacles. Despite a promising loan spell with Las Palmas last season, where he started 11 games after joining in January, Bajcetic couldn’t help prevent their relegation to the second division due to a hamstring injury that ruled him out of their final two matches.
In an emotional message to fans at the end of the season, Bajcetic said: “These are tough days for everyone, but especially for you fans, we have not been able to fulfill the goal of staying in the league you deserve,” he shared on Instagram.
“In four months I have realised the fans this club has and it hurts me a lot that you have failed. I’m sure you’ll go back to where this club needs to be. I’ll always be cheering as one more of you. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for all the support and for being there always.”
Bajcetic was joined in training by new signing Jeremie Frimpong, who is back on the pitch after his own hamstring issue.
Also spotted among the group was record £125m signing Alexander Isak, who completed a historic move from Newcastle on deadline day.
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