Liverpool's Stefan Bajcetic is in a race against time to be fit for pre-season after surgery on a hamstring injury. The midfielder underwent the procedure last month after sustaining the injury during his loan spell at Las Palmas.

Bajcetic, who picked up the injury shortly after half-time in a match against Sevilla on May 15, has already begun his recovery process, according to the . Now, the 20-year-old faces a challenge to return in time for pre-season, where he would hope to get a chance to play under Arne Slot.

This latest injury adds to a string of setbacks for Bajcetic since his breakthrough into Liverpool's first team in the 2022/23 season. After suffering an adductor injury in March 2023, he made just two appearances over the next 14 months due to a subsequent calf problem.

Under Slot, Bajcetic featured in pre-season before being loaned out to Red Bull Salzburg, where he reunited with former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders. However, following Lijnders' dismissal, Bajcetic's stint in Austria was cut short and he returned to Spain with Las Palmas, who were eventually relegated from La Liga.

Despite these challenges, Bajcetic earned a recall to the Spain Under-21 side this season. Unfortunately, his recent hamstring surgery means he will miss the UEFA European U21 Championships commencing this week.

Liverpool do still have the likes of Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones to fill the midfield.

While potential incoming Florian Wirtz could step in, with talks ongoing in what could end up being a British record transfer.

Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen are in negotiations after a £113million bid was rejected for the Germany international. Leverkusen are holding out for £126m.

The Reds offered £100m up front, with another £13m in add-ons, after Wirtz rejected the chance to move to Bayern Munich. All parties to reportedly expect a move to be completed, however.