Sheyi Ojo returning to fitness and set to remain at Liverpool this season

August 30, 2016
Jack Lusby

After suffering a back injury during Liverpool’s pre-season campaign, Sheyi Ojo is targeting a strong return to the first team.

Ojo joined up with Jurgen Klopp‘s squad midway into the US tour after a summer spent with the England U19s at the European U19 Championships and immediately impressed.

But after shining in the Reds’ 2-0 win over AC Milan in the International Champions Cup, Ojo was sidelined with a back injury.

This was initially believed to be only a minor problem, but Ojo has now been out for a month, missing the first four games of 2016/17.

Taking to Instagram on Monday, however, the 19-year-old explained how he was looking to “come back stronger,” hoping to take up a key role under Klopp this season.

“It was a gutting feeling to get injured at the time that I did,” he said.

“Any sort of time being injured is the worst thing, but I’ve been working hard to stay fit on the bikes [at Melwood].

“I’m feeling a lot stronger now, so I’m looking forward to being back with the team.

“I just wanted to say thanks, and I’ll come back stronger, hopefully.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJsuoqshRlw

Ojo was mooted to leave the club on loan this summer, with Klopp telling reporters at the end of July that “we will see but his future is at Liverpool.”

Injury has likely put paid to these plans, however, with Newcastle United instead switching their interest to Lazar Markovic.

This has opened up a first-team opportunity for Ojo on his return, and the former MK Dons youth could provide Klopp with an ideal alternative to Sadio Mane.

Mane missed August’s 2-0 defeat to Burnley through injury, and his absence was telling, with Klopp’s decision to field Daniel Sturridge on the right wing proving far from a success.

Ojo is one of the only natural wingers in Klopp’s squad, and his delivery from the flanks is a huge asset for the Reds.

Remaining with Liverpool for 2016/17, Ojo can continue the positive development that saw him move ahead of Jordon Ibe in the pecking order at the end of last season.

Ibe eventually went on to join Bournemouth for £15 million, leaving Ojo with further responsibility in the attacking line.

Focussed on returning to full fitness and proving himself to Klopp, Ojo can now look to impress in his first full season under the 49-year-old.