Big Liverpool boost as outstanding midfielder edges closer to first-team return

Stefan Bajcetic got more minutes under his belt at the weekend as he edges closer to a first-team return. 

The Liverpool youngster has played just two times for Jurgen Klopp's side this season, the last of those appearances coming in late September.

The 19-year-old has been battling injury all campaign but has recently returned to the fold after an agonisingly long spell on the sidelines.

Bajcetic has been on the Liverpool bench twice since recovering from his fitness woes, including during the 2-2 draw with West Ham on Saturday where he was an unused substitute.

However, the Spaniard did take to the field over the weekend, representing Liverpool's U21s in their clash with Arsenal U21s on Sunday afternoon.

STEFAN BAJCETIC CLOSING IN ON FIRST-TEAM OUTING

Bajcetic was the most high-profile Liverpool starter during the U21s' 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal at the weekend, a first-half double from Amario Cozier-Duberry proving the difference between the sides.

The defensive midfielder played an hour for Barry Lewtas' side before being replaced by 16-year-old Trey Nyoni, who made his first-team debut against Southampton in the FA Cup in late February.

Bajcetic has also featured in recent U21s matches against Manchester United and Sunderland as he continues his rehabilitation.

With three games left to play for Liverpool's first team this season and very little to play for, Bajcetic is likely to earn a few minutes between now and the end of the campaign.

He is also earmarked for a future role in the first team with Thiago Alcantara set to depart on a free transfer.

The youngster wasn't the only notable inclusion in the youth team clash with Arsenal on Sunday, with striker Jayden Danns also featuring for just over 70 minutes of the defeat.

Fans were surprised not to see Danns at least make the bench during the draw with West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday given Liverpool's recent struggles in front of goal, especially with Diogo Jota sidelined at present.

Hopefully, the youngster, who bagged a brace during that Southampton FA Cup clash two months ago, can also get some more first-team exposure in the closing weeks of the season.

The likes of Bobby Clark, James McConnell, Lewis Koumas, Kaide Gordon and Rhys Williams were all in action against the Gunners as well.