Stefan Bajcetic
LIV
CM (CB)
Creative Playmaker
Oct 22, 2004 (21)
Right
6'1"
170 lb
LiverpoolLeft out against Getafe
Bajcetic is not in Celta Vigo's squad for Monday's La Liga clash against Getafe as he begins his return with Celta Fortuna, according to coach Claudio Giraldez.
Analysis: Bajcetic won't be rushed into first-team action following his return to Celta, with the club instead opting to have him build his condition and rhythm with the reserve side. Manager Claudio Giraldez knows the midfielder well and made clear that the priority is for him to be healthy and comfortable before being considered for the senior squad. Once Bajcetic reaches the required level with Fortuna, his ability to operate as a defensive midfielder and progress possession should make him another option for Celta's first-team midfield.
Transfers to Celta Vigo
Bajcetic completed a permanent transfer from Liverpool to Celta Vigo on Monday.
Analysis: Bajcetic wasn't expected to play a role at Liverpool this season, and the midfielder has returned to play for Celta, where he started his career. He'll link up with the B team at first, but the idea is to eventually play for the first team.
Completes return-to-play testing
Bajcetic (hamstring) successfully completed return-to-play testing this week with Dr. Lasse Lempainen in Turku, Finland, according to Jack Lusby.
Analysis: Bajcetic has taken another significant step in his recovery after undergoing hamstring surgery last year, with successful return-to-play testing suggesting he is nearing full clearance. The midfielder had already been progressing toward a return to team training earlier this summer. With his rehabilitation now approaching its conclusion, Liverpool are expected to allow Bajcetic to leave before the transfer deadline, with a return to Celta Vigo among the possibilities.
Training fully with team
Bajcetic is now training basically fully with the team, according to coach Andoni Iraola. "Stefan is training basically fully with the team"
Analysis: Bajcetic has been steadily building up his program during Liverpool's US tour as he closes in on a return to action following his lengthy layoff. The midfielder's energy and box to box engine give the squad added depth in the middle of the park once he's back to full speed. He is expected to continue progressing toward match involvement as preseason wraps up.
Back on grass
Bajcetic (hamstring) was back on the grass Thursday during preseason, according to the club.
Analysis: Bajcetic missed all of last season, not seeing the field even during loan spells the year before, so his return to outdoor training marks a meaningful step forward in his recovery. He had already been traveling with the squad on preseason tour, and this progression positions him to build toward full team training as Liverpool continues its preparations for the new 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
Close to group training
Bajcetic (hamstring) is close to joining team training, according to manager Andoni Iraola, per James Pearce of The Athletic. "Stefan is close to train with the group. He will start partially with the group."
Analysis: Bajcetic is getting close to a return to full training, with the midfielder already traveling with the team for their pre-season tour. This is major news for the midfielder after missing all of last season, not seeing the field following loans in the 2024/25 season. It still seems he will have a tough time finding much time in the team, leaving his role for the 2026/27 season up in the air.
Continues comeback in Chicago
Bajcetic traveled with the squad to Chicago as he works toward a return from his hamstring injury, the club announced.
Analysis: Bajcetic has not featured for Liverpool's first team in over two years and has not played in any capacity in 13 months, with surgery having ended a loan spell at Las Palmas before the end of last season. He is targeting a comeback in time for preseason and has been continuing his rehabilitation program alongside the club's medical staff during the trip. Entering the final year of his contract, this preseason marks a pivotal stretch for the midfielder as Liverpool transition to a new coaching staff. Bajcetic is expected to be given a chance to prove himself as his recovery continues.
Targeting preseason return
Bajcetic (hamstring) is targeting a return in time for preseason, according to ThisisAnfield.
Analysis: Bajcetic has resumed ball work on the outdoor pitches and has been working extensively in the gym as he steps up his recovery. The midfielder has not featured for Liverpool's first team in over two years and has not played in any capacity for 13 months, with hamstring surgery having ended a loan spell at Las Palmas before the end of last season. He is entering the final year of his contract, making this preseason a pivotal stretch as the club transitions to a new coaching staff under manager Andoni Iraola. Bajcetic is expected to be given the opportunity to prove himself as preseason training gets underway.
Suffers multiple setbacks
Bajcetic (hamstring) suffered multiple setbacks of his injury and is currently not training with the team, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "He's not training yet. So, he constantly gets close to the team and then he has a little setback and then comes close and has a little setback, so we're hoping and expecting to have him very soon, again. But at that moment of time he trains with us again, then he's been out for six, seven, eight months [with] no first-team training. So, as much as I'd like to have him back, we have to manage the expectations with him as well."
Analysis: Bajcetic suffered multiple setbacks from his hamstring injury in recent months and is still not training with the squad for the time being. The midfielder will unlikely return this season in the senior squad since even when he will resume team training, he will have to build his fitness after not training since many months. Bajcetic will likely see playing time with the U21 team at best when fully back.
Still recovering from injury
Bajcetic (hamstring) is still recovering from his injury and won't return before the end of the month, according to Gregg Evans and Guillermo Rai from The Athletic.
Analysis: Bajcetic still has to recover from the hamstring injury he has been dealing with, which required surgery during the summer, leaving his chances of being loaned out during the Winter transfer window almost at zero. The midfielder will likely play with the U21 team at best this season according to reports, unless he can show enough strength to work his way back into the senior squad.
Spotted in team training
Bajcetic (hamstring) was spotted in team training on Monday, the club posted.
Analysis: Bajcetic was back in team training on Monday after recovering from a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined since the end of last season. The midfielder is still likely about a month away from returning to the match squad. Bajcetic will probably hold a bench role at best once he is fully fit for the Reds.
Still out
Bajcetic (hamstring) wasn't included in the Champions League squad for Tuesday's trip to Galatasaray.
Analysis: Bajcetic is continuing to work his way back from a lingering hamstring injury. It's uncertain if he's truly still injured or just not being included in the squad. His next chance to return to action will be a Saturday trip to Chelsea, though realistically it's more likely he's back in the squad after the international break.
Viewed training on grass
Bajcetic (hamstring) was shown working in training, according to his club.
Analysis: Bajcetic is still battling his hamstring injury but is seeing improvements this week, with the midfielder viewed on the training pitch working with a ball and running. He should then be nearing a return soon, likely within a week or two if he trains with the team in the coming days. Once he does return, the midfielder will likely be used as a depth option in the loaded Liverpool squad.
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