‘Not on the bench’ – Slot delivers honest injury update

‘Not on the bench’ – Slot delivers honest injury update

The harsh reality of our season has often been shaped by injuries, and the situation surrounding Liverpool youngster Jayden Danns is another example of how setbacks have disrupted momentum at key moments.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON***APPLE&GOOGLE PLAY***

Heading into the Merseyside derby, Arne Slot has now provided clarity on the 20-year-old’s situation, and it’s not the update many would have hoped for.

Slot confirms Danns not ready for first-team return

Speaking via Liverpoolfc.com in his pre-Everton press conference, the Dutchman outlined exactly where the young striker currently stands after a long spell out.

“The good thing for him is that he’s been out for such a long time and he’s now getting back with the U21s, getting some playing time.”

That is at least a positive step forward, especially given how little football the England youth international has managed this season, but the Liverpool boss made it clear that there is still a significant gap between youth minutes and senior involvement.

“But I think there’s still a lot of steps to be made if you’ve not even played 90 minutes [for] the U21s, let alone then play a Premier League game.”

For us, that underlines just how carefully the club are managing his recovery, particularly after such a frustrating run of injuries.