Bobby Clarke could face his first big moment of the season after taking a big step back to full fitness at the AXA Training Centre.The midfielder has been out since early October with an undisclosed injury.
His last game came seven weeks ago in a 4-2 win over Crystal Palace. Clarke assisted Paul Glatzel when the young Reds fell behind at Crystal Palace’s training ground, but has not featured for Barry Lutas’ side since.The 18-year-old recently shared a photo on Instagram showing off his boots as he returned to light training and hopes the latest developments will bring him closer to a return to the pitch.
His first goal is obviously to return to Liverpool U21s, but his goals could be much bigger in the near future.Clarke has been named in Liverpool’s top-flight squad for the 2023/24 Europa League group stage, underlining how highly regarded he is at the club despite his youth. The teenager is yet to play for the first team this season, but Jurgen Klopp recently hinted that a call-up may not be too far away.
Klopp has used the depth of his squad to cruise through the League Cup and Europa League in recent months and admitted injuries may have been the only thing holding him back in last month’s 5-1 defeat at Toulouse. Preston, England – Monday 7th August 2023: Liverpool substitute Bobby Clarke during the pre-season friendly between Liverpool FC and SV Darmstadt 98 at Deepdale. Liverpool won 3-1.
After the game, the coach said, “If Ben Doak is available tonight, he’ll get the same minutes as Bobby Clarke.”That means a first-team opportunity could be just around the corner if Clarke can return to fitness, and the Reds’ upcoming schedule could make that easier.Liverpool still have games against LASK and Union SG in Europa League Group E and will be hoping that the final game can be scrapped once top spot is confirmed.
A League Cup quarter-final tie against West Ham is scheduled for December, with Clarke making his first start for the club in the same competition against Derby last season.He has so far missed three Europa League games and the League Cup away at Bournemouth, but both competitions could give him the chance to play in the coming weeks.
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