Liverpool fans have been wondering what exactly is happening with Stefan Bajcetic, the young midfielder who burst onto the scene in 2022 but has since struggled with injuries.
Once seen as one of the club’s brightest prospects, Bajcetic’s progress has been halted time and again by fitness setbacks that have kept him out for long spells.
Now, there’s finally some clarity. Journalist James Pearce (via The Athletic) has revealed that Liverpool are taking a cautious and calculated approach with the 20-year-old as he continues his recovery from hamstring surgery.
The club decided against sending him out on loan this summer, believing that staying at Kirkby under the supervision of Liverpool’s medical and coaching staff would benefit his long-term development.
“Liverpool have understandably adopted a cautious approach with Bajcetic as he looks to regain full fitness after undergoing hamstring surgery in May,” said Pearce.
“They made the decision not to sanction a loan move for him in August as they felt he would benefit more from staying at Kirkby.”
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A comeback carefully planned for Stefan Bajcetic
Bajcetic is now back on the grass, training individually and slowly building up his fitness. He’s expected to get some minutes with Rob Page’s under-21 side before being reintegrated into Arne Slot’s first-team setup.
That could happen as early as the Carabao Cup, provided Liverpool progress past Crystal Palace later this month.
It’s been a tough road for the young Spaniard. His early promise during the 2022–23 season, when he made 19 first-team appearances under Jurgen Klopp, was followed by a series of frustrating injuries.
A brief loan spell at Red Bull Salzburg and later Las Palmas offered mixed results as he struggled to stay fit long enough to make an impression.
Still only 20, Bajcetic has time on his side — but as Liverpool’s midfield evolves under Slot, competition is fierce. With Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Florian Wirtz all ahead in the pecking order, the youngster must make his next opportunity count.
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Games missed by Stefan Bajcetic due to injury
| Season | Injury | From | Until | Days Out | Games Missed | Clubs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Hamstring injury | 14/05/2025 | Ongoing | 154 days | 2 | UD Las Palmas, Liverpool FC |
| 2024/25 | Stomach flu | 04/11/2024 | 09/11/2024 | 6 days | 1 | Red Bull Salzburg |
| 2023/24 | Calf injury | 29/09/2023 | 08/04/2024 | 193 days | 47 | Liverpool FC, Spain U21 |
| 2022/23 | Adductor injury | 13/03/2023 | 31/05/2023 | 80 days | 15 | Liverpool FC, Spain U21 |
| 2021/22 | Back injury | 23/01/2022 | 30/06/2022 | 159 days | 18 | Liverpool U18, Spain U21 |
Bajcetic’s injury record is a reminder of how cruel football can be for young talents. But Liverpool remain patient — and hopeful. If he can return to the form that once made fans call him the “midfield marvel,” he might yet carve out a role in Slot’s plans.