Liverpool youngster Rhian Brewster is still sidelined with a long-term ankle injury, but the striker is set for an exciting new role on his return.
Brewster has been absent since January after being stretchered off in the U23s’ 3-2 loss at the hands of Man City, and is expected to miss the rest of the season.
The 17-year-old has undergone two surgeries, first on his ankle and then his knee, and is now continuing his rehabilitation at Melwood.
That Brewster is working on his recovery at the first-team training facility is significant, with the Telegraph reporting plans for a promotion to the senior setup on his return.
The World Cup winner is set to join Jurgen Klopp‘s squad for pre-season training this summer, following on from the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Woodburn in recent seasons.
He is primed to return to fitness in July, timed perfectly for the Reds’ preparations for the upcoming campaign.
Liverpool are due to tour the United States as part of their pre-season schedule, as well as a possible training camp in Europe and at least one friendly at Anfield.
Brewster’s inclusion will see Klopp bolster his attacking options further, with the teenager competing with the likes of Roberto Firmino, Danny Ings and Dominic Solanke.
The youngster’s domestic season was disrupted by October’s U17 World Cup, at which he won the Golden Boot after netting eight times, but he still made his mark on the U23s squad.
In the first half of the season Brewster scored six and assisted six in 14 games for Neil Critchley‘s side, as well as a goal and an assist in the UEFA Youth League for Steven Gerrard‘s U19s.
That was clearly enough to convince Klopp of his ability to step up, and it will be interesting to see how prominently Brewster features in the first team next season.
Alexander-Arnold, now 19, has become a regular at right-back, benefiting from injury to Nathaniel Clyne, but Woodburn, 18, has been used more sparingly.
Klopp is unlikely to rush through any of his youngsters, but training on a daily basis at Melwood and being part of the travelling squad home and away can prove an invaluable experience.
Brewster has already been on the senior bench on one occasion, but remained on the sidelines throughout during Liverpool’s 2-1 loss at home to Crystal Palace towards the end of last season.
The Telegraph also report that Brewster is in line for a new contract when he turns 18 on April 1.
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