Liverpool Striker now Ready for First-Team after Injury Hell | OneFootball

Liverpool Forward Jayden Danns Closes In On First Team Return

Liverpool are flying high at the start of the 2025/26 campaign. Arne Slot’s side have made a perfect start in the Premier League with victories over Bournemouth, Newcastle United, Arsenal and Burnley. Now attention turns to Europe as the Reds prepare for a Champions League showdown with Atletico Madrid, but an important development is taking place closer to home.

A special young striker is on the verge of rejoining the first team, eight months after his last competitive appearance.

Slot’s new attacking weapons

Slot arrived at Anfield determined to refresh Liverpool’s forward line. He wanted more variety and more unpredictability, and he has certainly got that. Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz were signed during the summer, giving Liverpool fresh energy and a sharper edge in attack. Academy talent Rio Ngumoha has also broken through, while Jeremie Frimpong offers another option on the right.

The result is a team that looks more dangerous going forward, but one piece of the puzzle has been missing. Slot has long admired Jayden Danns, a striker developed in Liverpool’s academy who seemed set for a bigger role last season before injuries halted his progress.

Photo: IMAGO

Jayden Danns edging closer

The youngster was given his first taste of senior football in a remarkable run of games last season. Within a single month he featured in the League Cup against Southampton, the FA Cup against Accrington, the Champions League against PSV and in the Premier League against Ipswich Town. His final appearance came against PSV on 29 January, before he joined Sunderland on loan, where further setbacks prevented him from playing.

This summer, Danns missed Liverpool’s pre-season tour while continuing his recovery. Instead, he built up his fitness with the U21 side and has been carefully managed to avoid another injury. The signs have been encouraging.

Proving form at youth and international level

Danns has made his presence felt with Liverpool’s U21s, scoring once in two Premier League 2 appearances and adding a goal and an assist in a friendly against Bolton Wanderers despite playing only half an hour. His progress has also been recognised internationally. During the recent break he scored for England U20s against Italy while captaining the team.

That makes four goal contributions in just 222 minutes of football this season, averaging one every 55 minutes. Beyond the numbers, Danns looks sharper, fitter and more confident with every outing.

Opportunities ahead for Danns

With Federico Chiesa omitted from the Champions League squad, Slot may need extra depth in attack as Liverpool begin their campaign against Atletico Madrid. Domestic cup fixtures will also offer opportunities, with Southampton up next in the League Cup.

Danns’ return could hardly come at a better time. Games are arriving quickly and Liverpool will need all the attacking options they can get as they fight on multiple fronts. His determination, sharp movement and eye for goal make him a genuine threat.

Liverpool’s squad already looks strong with the additions of Alexander Isak and others, but the reintroduction of Danns promises to add another dimension. Supporters will be eager to see him back in competitive action, and all signs suggest that day is approaching soon.