Stefan Bajcetic Set to Make Long-Awaited Return to Action with Spain Under-21s
Stefan Bajcetic is in line to make his long-awaited return to action, with Spain under-21s manager Santi Denia ready to give the 18-year-old Liverpool youngster his first minutes since March. The impressive breakout season of the young midfielder ended prematurely due to an injury described as a stress response around his adductor, and it has been a steady road back to full fitness.
Bajcetic has been named on the bench in Liverpool’s last three matches but has not featured, ensuring his start against Bournemouth in March was his last appearance. Now, Spain’s under-21s manager Denia is out to change that, with minutes expected for Bajcetic after being called up to the squad for fixtures against Malta and Scotland.
Careful Management of Bajcetic’s Recovery
With Liverpool having carefully managed Bajcetic’s recovery, they will be happy to hear that Spain are eager to continue to do the same as to not create any setbacks. An appearance for Bajcetic, though, would represent his first at U21 level for his country and there is a still a chance he could feature at centre-back, the position he played when recruited at Liverpool.
Denia has spoken to Bajcetic and he agrees with the role of being able to occupy various positions, similar to Hugo Guillamon in the previous generation. Bajcetic’s versatility is obviously a trait that Denia values and the sense is that the 18-year-old is content to play a role for the team, wherever that may be.
Spain U21s Fixtures
Spain U21s meet Malta on Friday evening before facing Scotland on Monday in EURO qualifiers, the latter could see Bajcetic come up against Liverpool team-mate Ben Doak. With Bajcetic set to make his return to action, it will be interesting to see how he fares in the upcoming fixtures and if he can make an impact for the Spanish side.
It has been a long road back for Bajcetic since his injury in March, but it looks like he is finally ready to make his return. It will be great to see him back on the pitch and hopefully he can pick up where he left off with Liverpool and make an impact for Spain U21s.