James McConnell is back at Liverpool and, after surgery which ended his loan at Ajax, is now nearing a return to full training after involvement this week.
McConnell was recalled from his loan spell at Ajax at the beginning of January having only made seven appearances in four months for the Dutch club.
He arrived back at the AXA Training Centre carrying an injury which required minor surgery and has ruled him out of contention ever since.
But the 21-year-old has now stepped up his recovery and This Is Anfield understands he took part in non-contact work as part of a wider session with the academy on Wednesday.
Jayden Danns, midfielder Ben Trueman and new centre-back signing Mor Talla Ndiaye joined McConnell for ball work on the outdoor pitch with fitness rehab coach Jordan Hunter.
Designed to test their speed and movement in receiving the ball, the exercise saw all four players take a big step towards a return to full training.
Their next step will be rejoining the group for contact training, though both Danns and McConnell could do so as part of the first-team squad in the coming weeks.
Despite a failure to establish himself at Ajax, McConnell is still highly regarded by Arne Slot and his staff, with the head coach impressed with his performance against PSV Eindhoven in last season’s Champions League.
PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 9, 2025: Liverpool's James McConnell reacts after missing a chance during the FA Cup 4th Round match between Plymouth Argyle FC and Liverpool FC at Home Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
He went on to start in another much-changed side against Plymouth in the FA Cup, but a 1-0 defeat to Championship opposition seemed to make Slot’s mind up on a number of players.
McConnell attracted interest from West Brom, Derby, Oxford United and Swansea ahead of his recall from Ajax but his injury ruled out another loan.
That could open the door to a role in the senior setup, particularly as Wataru Endo is expected to be sidelined for a lengthy period with a suspected ankle fracture.
Will James McConnell and Jayden Danns play for Liverpool this season?
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS - Wednesday, January 29, 2025: Liverpool's Jayden Danns (L) and James McConnell (R) during the UEFA Champions League Matchday 8 game between PSV Eindhoven and Liverpool FC at the Philips Stadion. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Still eligible for the U21s, McConnell could also build up his fitness with Rob Page’s side between now and the end of the season, before a decision is made on his future in the summer.
Danns is in a similar position, though Slot has already signalled his intention to involve the striker when he is back to full fitness.
“With Alexander Isak being out and the quality he has, [Jayden] could have been with us and helped us in certain moments,” he said last month.
“But unfortunately for him, and also for us, he’s faced a lot of injuries in his career until now. He will fight back and come back and the world will get to know him the moment he’s fit again.”