Kaide Gordon finally an option for Liverpool after 18-month hell

Kaide Gordon is finally an option for Liverpool again after making his comeback this week. The teenager has been through it.

It wasn't too long ago that Kaide Gordon was the most exciting youngster in Liverpool's academy. Then things ground to an incredible halt as a pelvic problem sidelined him for well over a year.

Gordon stepped into Liverpool Under 21s starting XI against Barrow this week, though - his first start since February 2022. He did it as captain, no less, as the Reds lost 2-1 in the Papa John's Trophy.

That's a huge moment for Gordon, who initially made his return in September, only to be sidelined once again with an ankle issue. Now 19, he's able to get back on track and is an option for the Under 21s.

Of course, Gordon was an option for Jurgen Klopp's first team back in early 2022. That was the level of his potential, with the boss giving him run-outs alongside the very best at the club.

Everything looked rosy and Gordon was destined to follow alongside Harvey Elliott as an option on the right flank. In fact, Trent Alexander-Arnold singled those two out as the standout young talents at Liverpool.

Asked about the highest potential in the Liverpool squad back in December 2021, Alexander-Arnold heaped both with praise.

"Who's in and around the first team now? I'd say Harvey," he said at the time.

"But if we're talking about someone who is academy based, then I'd say Kaide. Both have got massive, massive bags of potential. I'd say those two definitely."

Elliott has since become a proper first-team presence, contributing a fantastic assist just this weekend. Gordon has now got to build himself back up if he's to follow in his teammate's footsteps.

But this week was the first step in that direction, certainly. Gordon has the ability - now it's all about the mental strength to finally realise that incredible potential.