After six months out and solely 18 video games within the final two seasons, Liverpool striker Oakley Cannonier is again on the pitch and dealing in direction of full health.
Cannonier broke by way of as a free-scoring striker within the Liverpool U18s, however has struggled with damage since stepping as much as the U21s ranks.
The teenager netted 31 instances in 28 video games for the younger Reds in 2021/22, with solely three targets coming in 18 video games since then as he battled together with his health.
His final aggressive recreation for the membership got here in January, beginning in a 3-1 loss to Athletic Membership B, coming off at half-time and lacking the rest of the marketing campaign.
However with Barry Lewtas‘ facet travelling to Chorley of their newest pre-season pleasant on Saturday, Cannonier was a welcome sight within the beginning lineup.
Now 20, the striker joined Tom Hill and James Norris in assault, taking part in the primary half of a 2-0 win earlier than being changed by Ranel Younger in a pre-planned change.
The Liverpool Echo‘s Ian Doyle writes that medical employees are “eager to not overburden [him] at this stage of his restoration.”
Whereas he marked his twentieth birthday in Might and is due to this fact among the many oldest gamers within the squad, the chances are Cannonier will stay a part of the U21s heading into the brand new season.
The main focus for now will probably be on rebuilding his health and regaining sharpness, with time nonetheless on his facet as he seems to make the transition into senior soccer.
In concept, the attacking choices accessible to U21s coach Lewtas are notably robust, however regardless of being eligible Ben Doak, Kaide Gordon and Jayden Danns are unlikely to characteristic commonly at academy stage.
Choices will probably be remodeled mortgage strikes for all three of these gamers, with the membership already fielding curiosity.
Lewis Koumas and Harvey Blair are additionally at present with the primary staff on their pre-season tour and the chances are Liverpool will search senior soccer for the pair this summer time.
That leaves the likes of Kieran Morrison, 17, Trent Kone-Doherty, 18, and Keyrol Figueroa, 17, alongside the aforementioned Younger, 18.
Cannonier – who rose to prominence because the ball boy who ‘assisted’ Trent Alexander-Arnold for his rapidly taken nook in opposition to Barcelona in 2019 – might function the extra skilled head in that youthful group.
After proving his health, a name might then be made on a potential transfer in January, although a lot will depend upon the conditions of these round him too.
For now, the overriding optimistic will probably be a return to the pitch for Cannonier, who can now look to make up for misplaced time.
