There is some welcome news for Liverpool, with highly rated academy youngster Josh Abe finally closing in on a return to action after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
The 16-year-old winger has been out since the opening game of the U18 season after suffering a shoulder injury which required surgery. Now, after months of rehabilitation, he is back in training and moving closer to getting some valuable minutes under his belt.
And this is a youngster Liverpool supporters should be keeping a very close eye on.
A timely boost for Liverpool
Abe’s return comes at an important time for Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool have been dealing with several injury problems, including Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni. There is no doubt that the manager would welcome more attacking options, particularly with the squad needing greater depth.
Abe is an exciting right-sided attacker who enjoys taking defenders on, has pace and possesses the ability to make things happen in the final third.
He has already caught the eye at academy level, scoring nine goals for Liverpool’s U18s last season, and was included in the first-team pre-season tour of the United States.
That experience will have been invaluable for a teenager who is clearly highly regarded within the club.
However, we need to be realistic. Abe is only 16 and has barely played this season. He needs to regain his sharpness, build up his match fitness and get back to enjoying his football before anyone starts expecting him to solve Liverpool’s first-team problems.
England recognition shows how highly he is rated
There is another encouraging development.
Abe has been selected for England’s U17 squad for three European Championship qualifying fixtures against Montenegro, Poland and Ukraine this month.
It is a significant vote of confidence, particularly after such a lengthy spell out injured.
It is worth remembering, though, that an international call-up does not automatically mean he is ready to play. His recovery needs to be managed carefully, and Liverpool will want to make sure he is fully prepared before throwing him back into competitive action.
The important thing is that he is back on the training pitch and making progress.
Could Abe eventually give Iraola another first-team option?
I would love to see another academy youngster make the breakthrough at Liverpool.
We have already seen how exciting Rio Ngumoha can be, and the club should continue giving its best young players a pathway into the senior side.
Abe has the potential to become another exciting attacking option, particularly if he can develop into a genuine right-wing alternative.
But there should be no pressure on him to come straight into the first team. Liverpool still need experienced, proven reinforcements, and a 16-year-old returning from shoulder surgery should not be expected to carry that responsibility.
Let him develop, get his fitness back and take the next steps at the right speed.
The future looks exciting, and it is fantastic to see Josh Abe getting closer to a return.
Welcome back, Josh. Hopefully this is the beginning of a very exciting journey at Anfield.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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