Liverpool star returns to training in major injury boost | OneFootball

Stefan Bajcetic Returns to Liverpool Training as Iraola Issues Liverpool Injury Update

Liverpool’s pre-season work in Chicago moved on Thursday with a familiar theme, fitness, availability and who can actually help Andoni Iraola once the serious work begins.

There was a clear positive. Stefan Bajcetic was back on the grass with the squad as Liverpool continued preparations for Saturday’s summer friendly against Sunderland in Nashville. For a player whose career has been repeatedly stalled by injury, that matters.

Iraola also confirmed that Wataru Endo is close to stepping up his recovery. The Liverpool head coach said: “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.”

Bajcetic fitness boost for Liverpool

Bajcetic has not played a senior match for Liverpool since May 2024. That alone tells the story. He is still young, still talented and still trying to reclaim momentum that looked natural during his early breakthrough.

He had already returned to the AXA Training Centre earlier this month and was involved in conditioning work outdoors with Jeremy Jacquet, Harvey Elliott and James McConnell. Thursday was another step forward, and a more meaningful one, because it brought him back alongside team-mates in a proper football setting.

The midfielder has had a stop-start path since emerging as one of Liverpool’s more composed young options at the base of midfield. He reads pressure well, plays cleanly through it and has the technical calm coaches trust. That profile has never been the problem. Availability has.

Iraola facing early midfield decisions

The major turning point came with the adductor injury suffered in the 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth in March 2023. It 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, though not always continuity. There were flashes, particularly in Spain in 2025, and reminders that the ability remains there.

Now Liverpool need evidence, not sentiment. Iraola will want midfield options who can train consistently, absorb tactical detail and stay fit. Bajcetic and Endo moving closer to group work gives him more room to plan.

Chicago tour provides key pre-season test

That is where pre-season becomes useful. It strips away the noise. Players either look ready or they do not. Bajcetic being back involved is encouraging. Endo edging closer is practical. Liverpool still need both to prove they can stay on the pitch.

For now, that is the update, simple and important. There is movement at last. A visual update from the club during the tour showed exactly that, with Bajcetic back training on the grass, a small detail, but a necessary one.