With Hugo Ekitike out for the long term and Alexander Isak not yet fully fit, Jayden Danns could have presented an option – but Arne Slot has ruled him out.
Danns has not played for Liverpool’s first team since September, but with Ekitike suffering a ruptured Achilles his name has returned to conversations among fans.
But This Is Anfield understands that while Danns is back working on grass after a recent setback, the focus is on returning to 100 percent fitness in time for pre-season with no intention to rush him back for this campaign.
Slot was asked about Danns in his pre-Everton press conference on Friday and ruled him out as an immediate option.
The head coach however seemed unaware of Danns’ current situation, after another hamstring blow in his first game back in six months when playing for Liverpool U21s in mid-March.
Will Jayden Danns be back this season after Hugo Ekitike injury?
“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,” Slot claimed.
“But I think there’s still a large step to be made if you’ve not even played 90 minutes at the U21s, let alone not played a Premier League game.
“The first thing that comes to my mind is that he’s worked so hard – because I know this, I see him around over here a lot – to be where he is now.
“He’s also been so unlucky to be out for such a long time.
“I’d really like him to be back, but the reality is that he’s not on the bench for us this weekend.”
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Danns can target a place in Liverpool’s squad for pre-season, as not only is Ekitike out but Isak – already behind on his fitness work – will start late after representing Sweden at the World Cup.
That should provide an opportunity for the Scouser along with 18-year-old Will Wright, who has excelled in Danns’ absence with four goals and five assists in his last 10 games for the U21s.
But this emphasises the need for a long-term view when it comes to Danns’ fitness and why he is not expected to be involved when the U21s enter the Premier League 2 playoffs.
His next step will depend on any impact in pre-season as, if fit, there is unlikely to be a shortage of interest in a loan move in the summer.