Stefan Bajcetic is back on the grass with the Liverpool squad, and for a player whose career has been repeatedly stalled by injury, that’s everything right now. The team’s pre-season work in Chicago continued Thursday, with coach Andoni Iraola looking for fitness and availability from his players. Bajcetic’s return marks a significant positive, especially as Liverpool preps for Saturday’s summer friendly against Sunderland in Nashville.
The Long, Grinding Road Back to the Pitch
Bajcetic hasn’t seen a senior match for Liverpool since May 2024. Let that sink in. He is still young, still undeniably talented, and he is fighting tooth and nail to reclaim the momentum that felt so natural during his early breakthrough. This isn’t his first step back, either. He had already returned to the AXA Training Centre earlier this month, getting in conditioning work outdoors with Jeremy Jacquet, Harvey Elliott, and James McConnell. But Thursday, back with teammates in a proper football setting, felt different. It felt like a real step.
His path has been incredibly stop-start since he emerged as one of Liverpool’s more composed young options at the base of midfield. We know his profile: he reads pressure so well, plays cleanly through it, and coaches trust that technical calm he brings. His ability has never been the problem. His availability, though, has been the absolute killer. The major turning point hit hard with an adductor injury suffered in the 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth back in March 2023. That was his 19th Liverpool appearance. More than three years later, he has only added three more. Loan spells at Red Bull Salzburg and Las Palmas offered minutes, with flashes of brilliance particularly in Spain in 2025, but never consistent continuity.
Iraola’s Midfield Puzzle Gets a Piece
Coach Iraola confirmed the positive news, stating, “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.” Wataru Endo is also close to stepping up his own recovery, which gives Iraola a little more breathing room. The coach needs midfield options who can train consistently, absorb complex tactical details, and, most importantly, stay fit. Liverpool needs concrete evidence from Bajcetic, not just sentiment based on his past potential.
This is exactly where pre-season shines. It strips away all the noise. Players either look ready or they do not. Bajcetic being back involved is incredibly encouraging, and Endo edging closer is definitely practical. For now, it’s a simple, important update: there’s movement. A visual update from the club’s tour showed Bajcetic on the grass, a small detail that means everything for his journey. Now, both need to prove they can stay on the pitch. The proof starts Saturday in Nashville against Sunderland.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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