Stefan Bajcetic Suffers New Hamstring Injury Setback – Liverpool Role in Doubt

Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has encountered another major hurdle in his injury-plagued career, suffering a fresh hamstring injury that sidelines him until at least the end of January 2026.[1]

According to reports from The Athletic, Bajcetic had been optimistic about returning to first-team action before Christmas, but this latest hamstring issue has derailed his progress at Anfield. The 21-year-old Spaniard, who last featured for Liverpool's senior squad 613 days ago, now faces limited options for gaining match fitness this season.[1]

The setback likely ends any prospect of a January loan move, despite heavy interest over the summer. Bajcetic's only realistic pathway to competitive football in the coming months appears to be with Liverpool's under-21s, unless he can remarkably break into Arne Slot's first-team plans.[1]

This injury compounds a tough period for Slot's squad. High-profile signing Alexander Isak suffered a broken leg against Tottenham in December, requiring surgery and ruling him out for the campaign. Striker Hugo Ekitike has also picked up a hamstring problem, missing the recent Fulham draw. Defender Joe Gomez remains sidelined with a December hamstring injury from the Brighton match, while midfielder Wataru Endo has been absent since early December due to an ankle issue.[1]

Bajcetic's prolonged absence raises concerns about his future at Liverpool. After undergoing hamstring surgery in late May 2025 and targeting a pre-season return for the 2025-26 campaign, he had recently resumed team training. However, full match fitness is still estimated at about a month away, positioning him for a potential bench role at best once recovered.[1][2]

Liverpool fans, who may have overlooked Bajcetic amid the squad's injury crisis, now question whether the promising talent can regain momentum and secure a meaningful role under Slot.[1]