Stefan Bajcetic is “counting the days” to his return from a long-term hamstring injury, with the midfielder set to be gradually reintroduced first with Liverpool’s U21s.Supporters’ hopes were raised three weeks ago when Bajcetic was pictured working outside at the AXA Training Centre as the Reds returned from the September break.But the young Spaniard has not been involved since despite being a daily presence at Liverpool’s facilities.Instead he is continuing his rehabilitation after surgery to correct a hamstring injury in May, having spent four months out so far.Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, as the first team prepared for their Champions League clash with Galatasaray, Bajcetic wrote that he is “counting the days” until his return.His eventual comeback is expected to come first with the U21s, with head coach Rob Page telling This Is Anfield of their hopes to call upon the 20-year-old when fit.“It’s a possibility, isn’t it?” Page said earlier this month.“It’s about getting him back on the grass, it’s about exposing him to minutes to get him back up to full fitness.”Any decision over Bajcetic’s return and the minutes he is able to play will be taken carefully by Liverpool’s medical staff.This comes after a long struggle with various injuries since his early breakthrough under Jurgen Klopp, beginning with an adductor problem which cost him six months.He then suffered a troubling calf injury soon after his return which, combined with various other problems, kept him out for another seven months.Since that initial setback in 2023 Bajcetic has only played 1,967 minutes of senior football, not aided by a difficult half-season loan with Red Bull Salzburg last term.It is therefore of vital importance to stick the landing when it comes to his rehabilitation this time out, particularly as it is maintained that Arne Slot is still counting on him as a first-team player.Page’s U21s are only in competitive action on six more occasions between now and the end of the year, including clashes with League Two sides Crewe Alexandra and Chesterfield in the EFL Trophy.The hope will be that he can be brought back up to speed during that run from Friday’s trip to Fulham and the clash with Chesterfield on November 11.Clearly, though, there are still steps for Bajcetic to take before he is cleared for action.