Mo Salah comments spell bad news for Jurgen Klopp as latest Liverpool blow confirmed
Just hours after Liverpool’s Champions League exit was confirmed, Jurgen Klopp suffered another major setback when Stefan Bajcetic confirmed the extent of his injury
Liverpool are expected to be without their ‘best player’ Stefan Bajcetic for the remainder of the season in the latest bitter blow to their top-four hopes.
There haven’t been too many highlights for the Reds this season, having been eliminated from all cup competitions and far from the cover picture. But 18-year-old Bajcetic has been the diamond of a tough season for his more experienced teammates.
Bajcetic has enjoyed a meteoric rise from U18s to a regular in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield in less than 12 months. His youthful exuberance has often been shown to his older colleagues in a position group Klopp has to refresh this summer.
But his breakthrough campaign has now come to an end after confirming his hamstring injury will sideline him until the summer. “Very sad to say goodbye to a great season,” he posted on social media.
“But I understand that this is part of football and will only make me stronger physically and mentally. I would also like to thank the Reds for their support throughout the season and I assure you that I will do my best to be back stronger than ever.”
It’s a cruel blow to Klopp, who has seen his once-stacked midfield become a problem area. His newfound importance was for all to see last month when he helped orchestrate Liverpool’s Derby Day win over Everton.
Bajcetic played an important role in the Reds’ midfield and was named their best-performing player by Mohamed Salah. “He’s a great player and person, he always tries to work hard,” Salah said, before adding: “Ever since he started playing for us, he’s been our best player.”
Bajcetic was typically modest in his reaction to Salah’s verdict, but prior to his injury the evidence was mounting in his favour. “A top player. It’s fun to work with him,” said Klopp.
And it wasn’t just his own performances that caught his eye, but how he had helped raise the standards of those closest to him. Alongside him, both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho put in their best performances.
He missed Liverpool’s last game when their Champions League exit was confirmed in Madrid. The Reds were already as good as out after the 5-2 defeat by Real Madrid at Anfield, but any fleeting hopes of another miraculous comeback were dashed at the Bernabeu.
After the 1-0 defeat, Klopp insisted the remainder of his side’s season would be defined by the three games immediately following the upcoming international break. Liverpool are six points off the top four and face a daunting run next month with games against Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal.
He said: “When we come back from the international break we have a real week of football ahead of us with three games, City, Chelsea, Arsenal, which will probably then determine what we make of it.”
And while he’d never admit it, this pivotal week would seem far more palatable with a player quickly stepping into the role of his most important.
Free £2 Shop Bet with William Hill every day of the Cheltenham Festival – plus all the fantastic daily coverage you need
Every day of the festival, get your Daily Mirror for racing specials, daily updates and free bets EVERY DAY.
Celebrate the biggest racing week of the year – the Cheltenham Festival. One of the most prestigious national hunting meets on the calendar is not to be missed… and we’ve got a bumper week of amazing content and great reader offers. Learn more HERE.