Liverpool winger takes big step after injury nightmare as Mateusz Musialowski reaches crossroads

Gordon's alive

Even before a ball had been kicked at the SO Legal Stadium, this was a hugely significant evening for Kaide Gordon.

The teenager has suffered a miserable time since breaking into the Liverpool first team as a 16-year-old during the 2021/22 season, scoring in the FA Cup third-round win over Shrewsbury Town and starting the League Cup semi-final second leg victory at Arsenal.

A pelvic problem linked to his growth meant Gordon was sidelined since February 2022 before making his long-awaited comeback in September, after which he injured his ankle following his first substitute appearance for another few weeks out.

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The teenager, though, came off the bench in Premier League 2 at Leeds United a fortnight ago and was handed his first start since his return in this final EFL Trophy group game at Barrow.

In a further show of backing, Gordon - who celebrated his 19th birthday last month - was named captain in a side that also included the experience of 34-year-old midfielder Jay Spearing, who was the best player on the night by some distance before the duo were replaced shortly before the hour.

While service to the wide man was intermittent on a grim Cumbria night, Gordon didn't shirk the physical challenge - not least when caught by a heavy tackle from Sean Etaluku second half - and showed some good touches, but was understandably very rusty in his 59-minute run-out. The main bonus for Liverpool and Gordon, though, is that he was back out on the pitch.

Musialowski ready

Mateusz Musialowski may have only turned 20 last