Liverpool midfielder was involved in training on Thursday as the squad’s work in Chicago continued.
Liverpool’s pre-season preparations in Chicago continued on Thursday. With their first friendly of the summer against Sunderland in Nashville on Saturday approaching, the Reds completed sessions in the morning.
Earlier, Andoni Iraola provided a fitness update on the squad, revealing that Stefan Bajcetic and Wataru Endo are closing in on a return to training.
UK ONLY
The Liverpool boss was asked about the timelines for players currently sidelined. Bajcetic and Endo are expected to take part in parts of team training during Liverpool’s stay in the United States.
Iraola said: “We have Stefan and Wataru that are close to training with the group. They will start in this during this tour, training not fully maybe but partially with the group.”
Stefan Bajcetic was involved in Liverpool training again on Thursday as the squad’s pre-season work continued. The midfielder has not featured in a match for the Reds since May 2024.
The Spaniard was back on the grass alongside his teammates. Bajcetic was part of the first group to return to the AXA Training Centre earlier this month before first-team training resumed.
Although he took part in preparatory work and was pictured running on the outdoor pitches alongside Jeremy Jacquet, Harvey Elliott and James McConnell, he had not yet returned to full team sessions.
Injuries and fitness setbacks have disrupted Bajcetic’s young career, although he has shown glimpses of his quality, including during his loan spell with Las Palmas in 2025.
His ability to resist pressure and play out from the base of midfield impressed during a breakthrough period, as he looked to fulfil his potential after initially joining Liverpool’s academy as a centre-back at the age of 16.
However, a serious adductor injury suffered in a 1-0 defeat at AFC Bournemouth in March 2023 proved a major setback. That match was his 19th appearance for Liverpool, and more than three years later, his total stands at just 22.
Loan spells at Red Bull Salzburg and Las Palmas produced mixed results, while Bajcetic has continued working behind the scenes at the AXA Training Centre in a bid to overcome his injury struggles.
Stefan back on the grass 🤩 pic.twitter.com/Q6nl0U1FlP
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 23, 2026
Stefan Bajcetic