Alexander Isak‘s long-term layoff is a clear concern for Liverpool who are now short of options at centre-forward, but could soon be boosted by the return of Jayden Danns.
Isak will be out for the foreseeable future after suffering a suspected broken leg in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Tottenham.
That leaves Hugo Ekitike as Arne Slot‘s only established option up front, with Federico Chiesa available in reserve but yet to be trusted to start in the Premier League or Champions League this season.
When is Jayden Danns back?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 17, 2025: Liverpool substitutes Rio Ngumoha (L) and Jayden Danns on the bench during the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Atletico Madrid FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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Target date: Early January 2026 is the targeted return date for Jayden Danns, who could come into contention soon after.
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Current progress: The 19-year-old has resumed individual work on the grass at the AXA Training Centre following a hamstring layoff.
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The role: Following the injury to Alexander Isak, Danns could provide first-team cover for Hugo Ekitike.
But Liverpool’s options could soon be boosted by the return of Danns, who has been sidelined since the end of September with a serious hamstring injury.
This Is Anfield understands that with the 19-year-old back working on the grass again he is due to make a full comeback within the next two weeks.
That could indicate a return to availability in early January, though Liverpool will be mindful not to rush him back into the fold given his recent history of injuries.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Jayden Danns during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Reds host League One side Barnsley in the third round of the FA Cup on January 12 and it is possible Danns will be considered for the squad for that tie.
However he could also build up his minutes as part of Rob Page’s U21s, having already made three appearances for the academy side this season including in the 3-2 loss to Ipswich that prompted his injury.
Danns has played 10 times for Liverpool’s first team and scored three goals: a brace in only his third outing against Southampton in the FA Cup in 2023/24 and another against Accrington Stanley in the same competition last season.
Jayden Danns: Senior Liverpool Stats
Appearances 10
Minutes Played 179′
Goals 3
First-Team Starts 1
• Clinical edge: Danns currently averages a senior goal every 59.6 minutes of football.
• Trophy cabinet: Winner’s medals for the Carabao Cup (2024) and Premier League (2025).
His most recent game for Slot’s side saw him play 15 minutes off the bench in the 2-1 win over Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
He impressed in that cameo and would likely have been given the opportunity to build on it, only to then damage his hamstring playing for the U21s four days later.
Liverpool are expected to consider their options heading into the January transfer window and could look to sign another forward in the wake of Isak’s leg break.