Liverpool youngster Bajcetic out for the season with adductor injury
A breakthrough campaign for Spanish teenager Stefan Bajcetic has been ended prematurely by an adductor issue.
Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has confirmed he will not play again this season after suffering an adductor injury.
The 18-year-old made his debut for Liverpool as a substitute in the 9-0 win over Bournemouth in August, but became a more consistent part of Jurgen Klopp's first-team plans following the World Cup, making 19 appearances in all, with 11 starts.
Bajcetic scored his first senior goal in the 3-1 win at Aston Villa in December, and started in the 5-2 Champions League last-16 first leg defeat to Real Madrid.
He was ruled out of the 1-0 return leg loss with an adductor problem, and Bajcetic took to social media on Thursday to confirm it is an issue that will keep him out for the rest of the campaign.
"Unfortunately I've picked up an injury that will keep me out until the end of the season," he wrote on Instagram. "It's very sad to say goodbye to this amazing season for me but I understand this is part of football and will only make me stronger physically and mentally.
"I would also like to say thank you to you Reds for all the support through the season and I assure you I will do my best to be back stronger than ever."
It is the latest setback in a season to forget for Klopp, who was also without Thiago Alcantara and captain Jordan Henderson for Wednesday's game at the Santiago Bernabeu, while forward Luis Diaz has not featured since sustaining a knee injury against Arsenal in October.
The Reds are out of all cup competitions and sit sixth in the Premier League table as they try to chase down the top four and Champions League qualification.
Due to their elimination from the FA Cup and the upcoming international break, Liverpool do not play again until their trip to Manchester City on April 1.