Jurgen Klopp was dealt another major setback just hours after Liverpool’s Champions League elimination was announced, with Stefan Bajcetic confirming the nature of his injuries
Liverpool will be without their “best player,” Stefan Bajcetic, for the rest of the season, in the latest setback to their top-four ambitions.
The Reds haven’t had many high points this season, having been eliminated from all cup competitions and falling well short of the title race. But, Bajcetic, 18, has been the diamond in the rough for his more seasoned teammates this season.
Bajcetic has progressed quickly from playing in the under 18s to being a fixture in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield in less than a year. His youthful energy has frequently embarrassed his senior colleagues, a position that Klopp needs to update this summer.
But his breakout season is over when he revealed a thigh ailment will keep him out until the summer. “It’s incredibly hard for me to say goodbye to this beautiful season,” he wrote on social media.
“But I understand this is part of sport and will only make me stronger physically and emotionally. I’d also like to thank the Reds for all of your support this season, and I promise to do my best to repay it.
It’s a brutal blow for Klopp, who has seen his once-dominant midfield deteriorate. His newfound significance was evident last month, when he assisted in Liverpool’s derby day victory over Everton.
Bajcetic was a key member in the Reds’ midfield and was named the team’s finest performer by Mohamed Salah. “He’s a wonderful player and person, he always tries to work hard,” Salah remarked, before adding, “he’s been our best player since he started playing for us.”
Bajcetic’s reaction to Salah’s verdict was typically humble, but previous to his injury, the evidence was accumulating in his favor. “A standout performer. It’s a pleasure to collaborate with him “Klopp elaborated.
And it wasn’t just his own performances that had drawn attention, but also how he had helped elevate the levels of those around him. Jordan Henderson and Fabinho both put up strong performances alongside him.
He did not play in Liverpool’s most recent match, as their Champions League exit was sealed in Madrid. The Reds were already out after losing 5-2 to Real Madrid at Anfield, but any thoughts of another spectacular comeback were dashed at the Bernabeu.
Following the 1-0 loss, Klopp stated that the three games following the impending international break will define the rest of his team’s season. Liverpool are six points outside the top four and face a difficult month ahead with games against Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
“When we return from the international break, we have a true football week ahead of us, with three games against City, Chelsea, and Arsenal, which will probably define what we get out of it,” he remarked.
And, while he would never say it, that pivotal week would be much more bearable if they had a player who swiftly assumed the role of their most crucial.
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