Ojo is on the comeback trail after a back injury, but Sadio Mane’s Africa Cup of Nations participation could improve his chances of first team action.
Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo has told the club’s official website he is looking forward to every chance he can get in the first team.
Ojo has recently returned from a back injury he sustained in the summer, and he recently completed 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw in the Premier League Cup for the Reds’ under-23 side against West Bromwich Albion.
The 19-year-old may have a little way to go in terms of getting back into first team contention as manager Jürgen Klopp wants the youngster to build up his fitness.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp with Sheyi Ojo
But in January, a place may open up in the side when Sadio Mane heads to the Africa Cup of Nations to represent Senegal.
Mane has been an important part of the Reds’ attack this season and has added pace to a side that was lacking it at times last term.
On the prospect of filling in for the summer signing from Southampton, Ojo told liverpoolfc.com: “Sadio’s done really well whenever he’s played and he’s an important player in our squad so I’m gutted for the team that he’s going, but at the same time it’s an opportunity for someone like me to come in and hopefully prove to the manager that I can play for this team.
“I’m just looking forward to every chance I can possibly get, and hopefully I can do well.”
Given the congested fixture list that is about to hit the Reds, coupled with Mane’s absence for much of January – and possibly into February – there could be opportunities for Ojo to build on the 11 appearances he made for the Reds in the second half of last season.
A look at the Liverpool squad sees that there aren’t many players that offer explosive pace like Mane does, but Ojo can provide that quickness. He is, however, pretty raw but does provide that bit of extra presence.
There are sure to be changes in the coming weeks to line-ups in order to keep players fresh during what could be a crucial part of the season. It could be an opportunity for Ojo to cement his place in the Liverpool squad.
Mane has struck seven times in all competitions so far this season, and provided six assists. That’s a lot of end product that needs to be found by other members of the side to minimise the impact of his loss, including from Ojo.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane scores their first goal
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