Why Rio Ngumoha doesn’t train every day – as Jayden Danns’ return delayed

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Rio Ngumoha’s limited training schedule at Liverpool is a deliberate strategy by head coach Arne Slot to protect the 17-year-old from overuse injuries as his body continues to develop. Slot explained that Ngumoha spends “two days a week off the pitch,” with his workload carefully managed by the club’s medical and sports science staff to avoid the kind of stress fracture problems seen previously in other young players. The focus is on long-term fitness and career longevity rather than short-term gains, even as the teenager’s quality has quickly impressed senior figures at the club.

This tailored approach means Ngumoha is not involved in every full session with the first team, and his minutes are being built up gradually in training and matches. The staff are conscious of growth-related risks for a player of his age and physique, and want to ensure he is physically robust enough before exposing him to a heavy schedule. Despite this caution, his talent has been repeatedly highlighted inside the squad, with senior players noting the impact he makes whenever he does train and play.

In contrast to the managed plan for Ngumoha, Liverpool have suffered a setback with highly rated forward Jayden Danns. Having already spent an extended period on the sidelines, Danns’ return has been delayed after his recovery did not progress as quickly as hoped. Slot confirmed that, although there was initial optimism that Danns might rejoin full training soon, the medical team have advised more patience as he continues his rehabilitation. As a result, his comeback to competitive action will take longer than originally anticipated, leaving Liverpool without one of their most exciting young attacking options for a while longer.