Forgotten Liverpool star back in training as Arne Slot handed timely boost

Liverpool's young midfielder Stefan Bajcetic is back in first team training after a series of injury setbacks. The 20-year-old academy graduate made his mark under Jurgen Klopp during the 2022-23 season, featuring 19 times and netting one goal. However, a string of fitness issues, including a significant hamstring injury while on loan at La Liga's Las Palmas, have hampered his progress.

After resuming gym work in August, Bajcetic has now rejoined his team0mates on the training pitch, aiming to catch the eye of manager Arne Slot as Liverpool gear up for a challenging encounter with newly-promoted Burnley at Turf Moor this Sunday. Bajcetic's journey to recovery hasn't been easy. He faced difficulties during a loan spell at Red Bull Salzburg before finding form with Las Palmas, only to suffer a devastating injury requiring surgery. Despite these hurdles, the youngster was seen in high spirits at Liverpool's training ground on Thursday.

His return is timely as it puts him in contention to face Southampton in the Carabao Cup third round at Anfield on September 23 when Slot will field a rotated team and give chances to youngsters.

Signed from Celta Vigo in 2020 at just 16, Bajcetic was tipped as a future star for the Reds following his breakthrough under Klopp, but has since encountered numerous obstacles.

After a somewhat successful loan stint at Las Palmas, where he started 11 matches post-January arrival but couldn't stave off their relegation due to a hamstring injury sidelining him for the final two fixtures, Bajcetic shared a heartfelt note with supporters.

He expressed his sentiments on Instagram: "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," acknowledging the disappointment and offering encouragement for the future.

"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."

Back on the training pitch, Bajcetic was accompanied by Jeremie Frimpong, who is returning from his own hamstring woes, and the squad welcomed their record-breaking £125million signing Alexander Isak, fresh from his last-minute transfer from Newcastle.