Jayden Danns is unlikely to feature again this year after the extent of the Liverpool teenager’s latest injury setback was revealed. Danns suffered a hamstring injury whilst taking a free-kick when appearing for the Reds’ under-21 side in their Premier League 2 fixture at Ipswich Town last month.
Scans have since confirmed the severity of the problem, with the 19-year-old striker now expected to be sidelined for a considerable period whilst he recuperates from the issue. “It could be a couple of months,” Liverpool U21 coach Rob Page told the Liverpool ECHO. “It’s not going to be a quick fix.”
“It’s a setback for him, but Dannsy is very positive about everything in life, especially football. If anybody can get through this setback, it’s him without doubt. He has the full support of the medical team and myself and the staff. He’ll get through it.”
It marks another devastating blow for the young forward, having had a prospective loan spell at Sunderland in the second half of last season ultimately cancelled due to a back problem.
Danns regained full fitness in the summer and appeared from the bench in the first team’s League Cup victory over Southampton four days before sustaining his latest injury.
The forward made his senior Liverpool debut in February 2024 and has since netted three goals in 10 appearances whilst featuring in every major competition, including the League Cup final triumph over Chelsea at Wembley last year. Following a 2-0 defeat to Crewe Alexandra in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday evening, Liverpool U21s’ coach Page shared his thoughts.
Despite having the upper hand in terms of possession and opportunities, Liverpool were undone by an early controversial penalty from Emre Tezgel, followed by Dion Rankine’s goal before half-time, which doubled the League Two hosts’ lead.
Page commented: “We had 70 per cent possession, 16 attempts at goal and created enough chances to win the game. But this is the reality of football.”
He felt the penalty decision was harsh, saying: “The penalty is very harsh for me. The referee agreed the keeper (Fabian Mrozek) took the ball but thought it was a reckless challenge, and then that changes the game.
“We were way too open for the second goal and that’s something we have to work on. There were a lot more positives than negatives but the lads must understand the importance of winning games and that losing hurts.”
“We are in this industry at any club to have a winning mentality. We need to be more ruthless and clinical in the final third.”
Liverpool were without several key forwards, including summer signing Will Wright due to injury, and Kieran Morrison and Keyrol Figueroa who were away on international duty.
Page noted: “Many of our better players aren’t available. But it gives others an opportunity and it gave (17-year-olds) Josh Sonni-Lambie and Joe Bradshaw an opportunity to step up.
“And I thought Amara Nallo was exceptional when he came on at centre-back, he looked like he had missed playing football.”