Liverpool Left-Back Makes First Appearance of 2025/26 Season Following Injury

Amid Liverpool's ongoing injury crisis under manager Arne Slot, there's positive news from the academy as promising left-back Calum Scanlon has returned to action after 353 days sidelined.

The 20-year-old Birmingham native featured for Liverpool's U21s in a 1-1 friendly draw against Wrexham at the Academy on Tuesday, marking his first outing of the 2025/26 season. Scanlon played the first half before being substituted at halftime, with the score already level. This cautious return reflects Liverpool's careful rehabilitation approach, avoiding any rush after his serious injury last January, which halted his breakthrough loan spell at Championship side Millwall where he scored his first professional goal against Cardiff.[1][2]

Emotional post-match, Scanlon shared on Instagram: “353 days. It’s been a while but I’m finally back, thank you Lord,” accompanied by a photo in action. The post garnered support from Liverpool teammates like Bobby Clark, James McConnell, Trent Kone-Doherty, Isaac Mabaya, and Luke Chambers.[1]

Scanlon's journey has been notable. Lured from Birmingham City's academy, the speedy, attacking full-back—who runs channels effectively and takes on defenders—earned England U20 caps. He debuted for Liverpool's first team under Jürgen Klopp in the 2023/24 Europa League, impressing in a 5-1 win over Toulouse on October 26, 2023, and a follow-up against Union SG. This led to a new long-term contract in April 2024.[1][2]

The timing is poignant amid Liverpool's woes: Conor Bradley's season-ending knee injury against Arsenal requires surgery on bone and ligament damage, ruling him out for the domestic campaign. With Trent Alexander-Arnold having departed last summer (replaced by Jeremie Frimpong), and other absences like Giovanni Leoni, academy talents like Scanlon could get opportunities to impress Slot's side, currently navigating a tough season in the Premier League, Champions League, and cups.[1][3][4]

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