Liverpool striker issues injury update as he waits for chance to impress Arne Slot

Young Liverpool striker Jayden Danns has not played for the Reds at any level since April with the 18-year-old forward having picked up a back problem that he continues to recover from.

But Danns has posted an update on his situation, revealing on Instagram that he is "back running", which appears to be a big step in his recovery. Danns was one of the breakout stars of Jurgen Klopp's final season at Liverpool , where he moved from being an U18 regular to playing for the U21s and even making the senior matchday squad on 11 occasions.

Danns came off the bench in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley and he signed a new long-term contract with the club in May as a reward for his progress, but has since been unable to impress on the training ground or in youth fixtures. He is edging closer to a return, however.

It is not yet clear when Danns will return to full training or be available for selection again but Liverpool's U19s have missed his presence in the UEFA Youth League and he would have been useful in the EFL Trophy matches against physical senior teams like Crewe and Harrogate. Danns might also have headed out on loan had he not picked up the injury during the summer.

Fellow breakout striking star Lewis Koumas moved on loan to Stoke City where he has scored two goals in 10 appearances to date with the Championship side. And that is exactly the kind of experience that Danns could have done with as he looks to take the next step. If he is back at 100 per cent again by January, perhaps a move for the second half of the campaign could be on the cards.

Liverpool.com says: Danns is a big talent and injuries are an unfortunate part of the game. Hopefully he can come back strong and carry on where he left off after making so much progress in a short space of time. There is still plenty of this season left for him to make the most of it.