Stefan Bajcetic close to playing for Liverpool again after nearly 18 months away
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Stefan Bajcetic is poised to take the next step in his rehabilitation journey as he targets a first Liverpool outing in nearly 18 months.
The midfielder has been steadily working towards full fitness following a hamstring procedure in May, which came after he sustained an injury during the latter stages of a productive loan stint at Las Palmas.
Liverpool has exercised considerable caution in managing the 20-year-old's comeback, given his history of notable injury problems over recent years.
Despite attracting attention from numerous clubs, the Reds opted against sanctioning a summer loan move, instead prioritising the young star's complete physical recovery.
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Bajcetic has been intensifying his rehabilitation programme and has been spotted on the training ground during first-team sessions undertaking individual exercises, though he has not yet participated in full squad training.
However, this is anticipated to occur within the coming weeks.
When questioned about whether the youngster might soon appear for the U21s, head coach Rob Page responded: "It is a possibility, isn't it?
Liverpool's U21 head coach is hoping Bajcetic will play for his team shortly
It's about exposing him to minutes to get him back to full fitness."
Bajcetic remains eligible to represent Liverpool in the Premier League this campaign and can also feature in the Champions League opening phase as he qualifies for inclusion on List B.
The Spain U21 international enjoyed his senior breakthrough during the 2022/23 season but has appeared for Liverpool on just three occasions since March 2023, with his most recent outing occurring in May 2024.
He only managed 25 minutes of Premier League soccer during the 2023-24 season.
Bajcetic's loan stint at Red Bull Salzburg in the first half of the 2024-25 season was less than stellar, before he moved to Las Palmas and made 14 appearances.
"I hope it will be a big year for him because he’s a very talented player, and I think he could become a very important player for us, but only if he gets playing time now," said Arne Slot ahead of Bajcetic's loan spell at Salzburg.
Slot hoped that Bajcetic would be ready to join Liverpool's squad at the beginning of this season, but that plan was pushed back due to his current injury.
The Liverpool boss added: "If he fulfils his potential, (he) could definitely, definitely play for us in the future."