Liverpool under-21s played out a 1-1 draw with Arsenal when first-team goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher returned on Saturday afternoon after a three-month injury break.
Liverpool U21 1-1 Arsenal U21
Premier League 2, AXA Training CentreOctober 1, 2022
Goals: Blair 71′; Ideho 42′
In his pre-match press conference on Friday, Jurgen Klopp revealed that Kelleher was set to play for Barry Lewtas’ side this weekend, having recently recovered from a groin injury that kept him out for the entire pre-season. and the first weeks of Liverpool. campaign 2022/23.
And unsurprisingly, the Reds’ number 2 goalkeeper was named in the starting eleven to face Arsenal, as the Under-21s kicked off an hour before the first-team clash with Brighton.
With several veteran players returning to form, Stefan Bajcetic also had a match, with Luca Stephenson and Harvey Blair making their first starts of the season at the Under-21s.
The Reds had chances to open the scoring early on, with Melkamu Frauendorf closing in and Bobby Clark fending off a strong penalty appeal.
But it was Arsenal who went into the break ahead. Joel Ideho was on hand to finish from close range when Liverpool failed to clear from a corner.
The Gunners could have extended their lead before halftime if Kelleher hadn’t denied Amario Cozier-Duberry.
HT: Liverpool U21 0-1 Arsenal U21
The tie came after 20 minutes of regulation time.
It was captain Layton Stewart who created the opening, spinning his man before setting up Blair, who fired his effort into the bottom corner.
Minutes later, midfielder Mateusz Musialowski was brought in from the bench after an unexplained spell on the sidelines, with questions about his long-term future at the club.
And the young Pole gave Liverpool a chance to win it after they dragged him into the area to earn his side a penalty in the 79th minute.
It was Luke Chambers, in top form, who stepped forward, but his penalty shot was saved by goalkeeper Hubert Graczyk, who also stopped Frauendorf and Musialowski with further attempts late on.
The scores remained level, with Kelleher and Bajcetic completing the full 90 minutes. There could be more veteran players involved with the Under-21s in the coming weeks, with Klopp suggesting that Calvin Ramsay could soon run with Lewtas’ side while he recovers from injury.
Liverpool Under-21: Kelleher; Mabaya, Jonas, Chambers, Norris; Bajcetic, Stephenson, Clark (Corness 62′); Blair (Musialowski 74′), Frauendorf, Stewart
Unused Subs: Kelly, Corness, Spearing, Cannonier
Next game: Wolves (H) – Premier League 2 – Saturday 8th October, 2pm (BST)
