Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic missed Saturday’s draw with Wolves having picked up an injury issue.
That’s according to a report in The Athletic this morning. They claim that Bajcetic wasn’t able to feature either for the senior side on Saturday, or the U21s on Sunday.
Citing U21 manager Barry Lewtas as the source, it is suggested that the 18-year-old’s issues isn’t long-term, though.
No further details of Bajcetic’s problem are given. After a festive period in which he grew further in stature, let’s hope Lewtas’ initial assessments are correct.
Bajcetic progress hits the buffers
Should Bajcetic miss a chunk of games, it would be a blow to both Liverpool and the player himself.
With Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fully up to speed, Jurgen Klopp is pretty well-stocked in midfield right now. But despite the numbers returning, the Reds still look lightweight.
Ironically given his age and slight build, Bajcetic has at times looked capable of fixing that.
In his last minutes on the pitch – the 2-1 win over Leicester in December – he instantly clattered into a challenge that his older colleagues had looked reluctant to make all night. Andy Robertson had called him ‘brilliant’ just a few days earlier, too.
There is a feeling that Bajcetic could be the real deal. He’ll be desperate to shake off the injury and continue his progress.
Prior to this season, the Spaniard may not have envisaged he’d get quite the opportunities that he has. But after shining in pre-season, he has deserved every one of his eight appearances so far.
As Liverpool look to evolve their midfield, Bajcetic has emerged as a genuine option. To get injured now, especially during a transfer window, could scupper his momentum.
Thankfully for him, the coaches at Liverpool surely won’t forget about him in a hurry. Fingers crossed we see him back in the matchday squad soon enough.
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