Liverpool have been dealt a hammer blow in the immediate aftermath of their Champions League knockout as it has emerged that rising midfield star Stefan Bajcetic has been ruled out for the rest of the season after picking up an injury.
The young Spaniard has been one of few bright sparks for Jurgen Klopp’s side this season, and had started six of the last eight Premier League games in an attempt to inject some life into a stale Liverpool midfield.
However, he was withdrawn late on in their most recent Premier League game, a 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth, and it has since emerged that he picked up an abductor injury during the game.
Worse yet, the midfielder took to social media to confirm the situation.
“Unfortunately I’ve picked up an injury that will keep me out until the end of the season”, the youngster wrote on Instagram.
“It’s very sad to say goodbye to this amazing season for me but I understand that this is part of football and it will only make me stronger physically and mentally”, he added.
Against Real Madrid, James Milner was once again asked to deputise, and the result was a toothless midfield, while Harvey Elliot has also been trialled there, but was taken off at half time against Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, midfield pair Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are both out of contract this summer and neither appear to have the trust of their manager, with Keita remaining an unsued substitute against Los Blancos.
The latest news is largely in keeping with Liverpool’s woes this season, with the Reds six points outside the top four places as it stands, though they do have a game in hand on fourth-placed Tottenham.
With more problems in midfield, however, it may be a step too far.
