Few Liverpool youngsters have generated the excitement Stefan Bajcetic did when breaking through into the first team back in 2022.
Jurgen Klopp gave the Spaniard a chance after his midfield options disintegrated during a dismal spell in the 22/23 season.
Bajcetic took his opportunity with both hands, becoming a key player for Liverpool across the winter months and looking every bit a future mainstay.
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Unfortunately, injury then intervened in what would become a common theme for the silky 21-year-old. Having spent last season away from Anfield on loan, Bajcetic has had to sit out the entirety of the current campaign after completing hamstring surgery over the summer.
With fans itching to see the former Celta Vigo prospect back on the pitch, journalist Lewis Steele has given an insight into Liverpool’s current expectations for Bajcetic’s return.
Liverpool still believe in Stefan Bajcetic’s potential
Even before Arne Slot deployed a new, midfield-heavy formation at Liverpool, there was a feeling that Bajcetic could really add something to the squad.
The Reds are missing a natural back-up to Ryan Gravenberch, and this is a role Bajcetic could definitely fill.
Stefan Bajcetic of Liverpool during a pre-season training session at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex
Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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The one question mark over whether he will come back to being a genuine option for Slot is how well he has maintained his level while being out injured.
According to Steele, though, Liverpool do not have concerns in this respect, and with Bajcetic now stepping up his return, the Reds reportedly believe he can still reach the level they previously expected.
“This is a question that I get asked all the time,” said the journalist during a live Q&A on YouTube. “He ended up having surgery in the summer and was expected to be back at some point this year, but he just went missing.”
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Jamie Carragher looks on ahead of the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield
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“He has been back on the grass at certain points in the last month, I know that because I saw it with my own eyes a few weeks ago. I think the plan is to maybe get him into the U21s for a bit. When he first broke through he was very good, so I think Liverpool believe he can still hit that level.”
When will we see Bajcetic back in action?
If Bajcetic can hit his previous levels – and even improve further – upon his return, it would be a real bonus for Liverpool.
Latest reports suggest that the Reds are admirers of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, and could potentially be lining up a move for the 21-year-old next summer.
However, if Bajcetic can make his return smoothly, then there is no real need for Liverpool to look elsewhere. They would already have the answer at home.
Unfortunately, it seems as though they may still have a little while to wait until they know whether that will be the case. As of yet, Bajcetic is still yet to feature for the U21s this season.
As a result, it could still be several months – or even not at all – before we see him in the first team this season. Nevertheless, Bajcetic was pictured at Anfield during Saturday’s win over Brighton, and also accompanied the senior squad on their annual visit to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital this week, hinting that he remains in Slot’s plan.
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