Liverpool loan star has surgery booked, season is over
Arne Slot is looking ahead to lifting the Premier League title with Liverpool after taking all three points against West Ham.
As well as getting results back on track, the Reds have tied down the services of Mohamed Salah and are set to extend Virgil van Dijk’s stay too.
Van Dijk headed home the winner at Anfield on Sunday, with Salah also assisting the opening goal of the 2-1 win over the Hammers, with only two more wins needed.
However, while things are looking bright at Anfield, one Liverpool loanee has been dealt a major blow to end his season.
Liverpool loanee set for surgery
While the focus has primarily been on first-team matters at Liverpool with Slot looking set to win the Premier League title in his first season at Anfield, the Reds have had several youngsters out on loan throughout the season, gaining regular minutes.
One who has been particularly impressive is Luca Stephenson, who has spent the season with Dundee United, playing regularly throughout the campaign.
The 21-year-old has received plenty of praise while in Scotland, but after playing 31 games, Stephenson’s season is now over.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 31 | 3 | 2 |
The midfielder played 85 minutes in his side’s 1-0 victory against St Johnstone on Saturday (12 April), but that is his last of the season.
According to The Courier, the youngster has been playing with a double hernia for several months and is now forced to have surgery.
Stephenson will have surgery on Wednesday (16 April) and spend the rest of the campaign recovering.
Stephenson has bright Liverpool future
What the future holds for Stephenson now is uncertain, as he will not be able to secure any more minutes while recovering from injury.
Another loan deal could be possible if Slot feels it is too soon to give him a try in the first team, but it seems unlikely that the Reds would let him leave permanently before trying him out properly.
Naturally, the competition is high at Anfield and Stephenson will be required to earn his place in the side if he is to make it under the Dutch manager.
However, having been able to play through his injury for a number of months speaks volumes about the level of the player and his commitment to the team which will no doubt have caught the eye of some.
Salah and van Dijk may be giving their futures to Merseyside, but this season will have served as a warning for Slot that he needs players in the pipeline too, and there is no reason why the 21-year-old can’t be part of that generation.