Liverpool injury update as James McConnell undergoes surgery

Liverpool have received a fresh injury update regarding James McConnell, with the young midfielder now set to remain on Merseyside after undergoing minor surgery. The 21-year-old had been expected to head out on loan again following his recall from Ajax, but that plan has been shelved as he focuses on recovery at the AXA Training Centre.

McConnell returned to Liverpool earlier this month carrying a knock which ruled him out of the FA Cup win over Barnsley. It has since emerged that the issue required a surgical procedure, meaning any potential January move has been taken off the table.

According to Liverpool.com’s Michael Plant, the club have decided that McConnell will stay put for the second half of the season despite attracting interest from a number of clubs. He had previously been lined up for a Championship loan, but rehabilitation is now the priority before he is considered for match action.

Surgery confirmed after Ajax return

McConnell’s recall from Ajax has not been formally announced by either club, but he has been back training at Kirkby since the start of January. His spell in the Netherlands saw him make seven appearances, including starts in both the Eredivisie and the Champions League.

However, his involvement dropped off following the dismissal of head coach John Heitinga, and the injury he picked up towards the end of his time there ultimately forced his early return.

While the surgery is described as minor, it is enough to keep McConnell out of immediate contention. The focus is now on getting him fully fit before gradually reintroducing him to competitive action with either Arne Slot’s first team or the U21s.

Squad depth boost for Arne Slot

From Liverpool’s perspective, keeping McConnell around could prove useful. Slot is known to be a keen admirer of the midfielder, and the Reds are currently dealing with an awkward injury situation across the pitch.

Problems in defence have left Joe Gomez potentially joining Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni on the sidelines, while Alexander Isak’s broken leg has further stretched attacking options. That has forced several midfielders into unfamiliar roles.

Dominik Szoboszlai has filled in at right-back and out wide, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo have been viewed as emergency centre-back options, and Curtis Jones has also been deployed at right-back. With that level of reshuffling, having McConnell available later in the season offers valuable flexibility.

Recovery focus and future role

The decision to keep McConnell mirrors Liverpool’s approach with Trey Nyoni, with the 18-year-old also blocked from a loan move to provide depth. Both players are seen as long-term assets, and the club appear comfortable managing their development in-house.

For McConnell, the immediate aim is simple, complete rehabilitation and regain fitness. Once that box is ticked, opportunities may open up, especially with Liverpool still competing on multiple fronts and Slot keen to rotate when possible.

While his short-term plans have changed, the bigger picture remains positive. Surgery now, minutes later, could still give McConnell a meaningful role in Liverpool’s season and keep him firmly on the radar at Anfield.