Rhian Brewster’s return from injury is off to a flying start – and that should excite the fans.
The 19-year-old was struck down by injury in January 2018 when playing for the Under-23s. Brewster landed awkwardly, suffering a high sprain of his ankle and damaging knee ligaments.
His knee would later require surgery, keeping him off the pitch until March 2019.
(Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Brewster’s injury came at a terrible time in his career. The teenager shone at the U-17 World Cup the previous summer, finishing as top scorer as England left with the trophy.
A breakthrough at Liverpool was now a formality – at least until the injury.
Such an injury and such a long lay-off can derail anyone’s career. Danny Ings, for instance, saw a similar injury cripple his Anfield career.
(Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City via Getty Images)
But the club moved to reassure Brewster. He was offered a new five-year contract just months after his surgery and is tied down for the long term.
And that faith looks well placed, going by recent events.
Brewster’s return from injury begun late last month against Northwestern University at the academy. Now, that’s not the toughest opposition but Brewster announced his comeback with a brace.
Back on the pitch, back in the @LFC shirt, back in the goals! ❤
Just want to say the Support over the last 15 or so months since i got injured, has been crazy so thank you to all the fans for your constant love and praise be to god always! 🙏🏾❤❤ pic.twitter.com/4ZZKOQtGbS— Rhian Brewster (@RhianBrewster9) March 29, 2019
He clearly hadn’t lost his eye for goal. Brewster then made his ‘official’ return in an Under 23’s game against Leicester City on Sunday.
It took him just minutes to strike, pouncing on a loose rebound to open the scoring.
LFC U23s are 3-0 up against Leicester City U23s at half time thanks to goals to:
✅ Rhian Brewster (assist, Oxlade-Chamberlain)
✅ Ben Woodburn (Penalty)
✅ Curtis Jones (being a boss) pic.twitter.com/yMt4PuLwz1— The LFC Couch 🗣🎙 (@LFCCouch) April 14, 2019
This should excite Reds fans. It looks like Brewster hasn’t missed a step, despite the lengthy lay-off.
(Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
He’ll become a first-team fixture without any further setbacks. That was always the hope, of course, but it may happen far sooner than anyone thought.
If he can get back up to speed, Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp may find themselves with an exciting new striker before too long.