CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola and Josh Abe (R) during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola and Josh Abe (R) during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Josh Abe has suffered a dislocated shoulder, which has forced him to wear his arm in a sling for the beginning of the season.
After a pre-season in which he played twice for the senior team on the US tour, Abe would have hoped to get off to a strong start to the campaign as he bids to push his way into the first-team squad.
However, he has had a setback in the last couple of weeks, dislocating his shoulder meaning he is facing a short spell out.
Having missed the under-21s’ 1-1 draw at Goodison Park on Friday, coach Rob Page said of Abe: “He dislocated his shoulder.
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Josh Abe during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by Amanda McMaster/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Josh Abe during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by Amanda McMaster/Propaganda)
“It popped out and popped back in again. Apparently he has had this problem for a while, so it’s nothing major.
“It’s just something that he is having to go through. He’s got his arm in a sling as a precaution and we’ll wait and see what happens.”
Liverpool will hope the 16-year-old can get his progress back on track quickly, after the attacker committed to the club over the summer and agreed to sign a professional deal when he turns 17 years old.
It was reported by the Athletic‘s James Pearce that Abe was “offered pro terms in excess of £50,000 per week from Premier League rivals” to seal a move away from Liverpool.
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's Josh Abe during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's Josh Abe during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Man City, Chelsea and Man United were all keen to take the youngster, but thankfully Liverpool have managed to keep the highly-rated winger.
Despite having turned 16 years old in July, Abe is expected to feature regularly for the under-21s this season and even train with the first team when they are short.
Rob Page’s reaction to dramatic derby draw
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Friday, August 21, 2026: Liverpool's Under-21's head coach Robert Page with Mor Talla Ndiaye after the defender put on the gloves to go in goal following a red card for goalkeeper Harvey Davies and all substitutes had been used during the Premier League 2 match between Everton FC Under-21's and Liverpool FC Under-21's, the Mini-Derby, at Goodison Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Friday, August 21, 2026: Liverpool's Under-21's head coach Robert Page with Mor Talla Ndiaye after the defender put on the gloves to go in goal following a red card for goalkeeper Harvey Davies and all substitutes had been used during the Premier League 2 match between Everton FC Under-21's and Liverpool FC Under-21's, the Mini-Derby, at Goodison Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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Jayden Danns returns, 2 red cards & defender goes in goal vs. Everton
As a result of his dislocated shoulder, Abe missed Liverpool U21s’ 1-1 draw with Everton U21s on Friday night.
Played at Goodison Park, it was a highly physical affair, with tempers boiling over at the end of the match.
Will Wright put Liverpool ahead in the first half before Jack Patterson equalised for the hosts.
It was in the last 10 minutes, though, that things became crazy.
With Page having used all their substitutions, goalkeeper Harvey Davies was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity so defender Mor Talla Ndiaye had to go in goal – and he made two saves as the Reds held on!
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Friday, August 21, 2026: Liverpool's Mor Talla Ndiaye goes in goal after his side's goalkeeper was sent off an all substitutes had been used during the Premier League 2 match between Everton FC Under-21's and Liverpool FC Under-21's, the Mini-Derby, at Goodison Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Friday, August 21, 2026: Liverpool's Mor Talla Ndiaye goes in goal after his side's goalkeeper was sent off an all substitutes had been used during the Premier League 2 match between Everton FC Under-21's and Liverpool FC Under-21's, the Mini-Derby, at Goodison Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“It was a feisty one. It was a typical derby game,” Page commented.
“I’ve just said to the boys that I’m proud of them for showing resilience.
“They had to dig in down to 10 men at the end of the game. We had already made our substitutions so we couldn’t put the keeper on.
“Mor (Talla Ndiaye) had played in goal before, and you just couldn’t love that man any more!
“He is an outstanding character, and what a signing he is. He was excellent in the game anyway. His passing and his reading of the game, knowing when to dribble out, was exceptional.”
While Ndiaye was praised, Page had a cheeky criticism of the defender’s goalkeeping: “The technique was awful, but as a centre half, we’ll let him off for that one!
“It was a good save by him. His goal kicks put our ‘keepers to shame. We’ve just told them all that. He’s going to be taking goal kicks from now on.”
2XYPHHK FRANCEVILLE, GABON – JUNE 11: Yankuba Minteh of Gambia during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Gabon and Gambia at Stade De Francevil
2XYPHHK FRANCEVILLE, GABON - JUNE 11: Yankuba Minteh of Gambia during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Gabon and Gambia at Stade De Francevil
Yankuba Minteh of Brighton
JANUARY 19: Yankuba Minteh of Brighton and Hove Albion (Image: Mitchel Davidson/Alamy Live News)
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool USA Tour Day 6 – Liverpool FC v AFC Sunderland
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe after a friendly match between Liverpool FC and AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)