Liverpool youngster Harvey Elliott has suffered an injury and is set for at least a month on the sidelines after fracturing his foot while training for England U21s. After joining the side, the 21-year-old aggravated an existing issue and didn’t play any part in the Young Lions’ two U21 European Championship qualifiers. Last Word on Football evaluates Elliott’s injury and how much it will impact the Reds’ season.
Harvey Elliott Injury Comes at the Wrong Time for Liverpool
Frustrating Season Continues
Elliot has been a fringe player at the start of the Arne Slot era, playing just seven minutes as Liverpool have won all three of their Premier League games. The 21-year-old had an encouraging preseason, playing in his natural number-ten role and registering two assists against Arsenal. However, the form of Dominic Szoboszlai has seen his game time limited and momentum stalled.
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With the Champions League starting soon and Liverpool’s schedule getting busier, Elliott would’ve got an opportunity to impress over the next couple of weeks. Now, he will be forced to watch from the stands as someone else gets a chance to force their way into the Reds’ new manager’s thoughts. The “rising star” is expected to be out for at least a month.
Harvey Elliott Injury a Blow Ahead of Busy Period
Liverpool’s game against Nottingham Forest starts a run of seven games in 21 days. Elliott would’ve been used frequently during this stretch as Slot looked to continue a perfect start to his Anfield career. His absence will put more pressure on Szoboszlai, who played 90 minutes in both of Hungary’s Nations League games.
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The former Leipzig man will need a rest eventually and who Slot chooses to replace him will be a constant debate among supporters. Midfielders Tyler Morton, Curtis Jones, and Wataru Endo are all suited to a deeper midfield role. Youngsters Trey Nyoni and Kieran Morrison may get an opportunity in a Carabao Cup tie against West Ham.
The former impressed during preseason, completing 91% of his passes against Real Betis. Elliott’s injury is disappointing, it has stalled the momentum of a promising player. If Liverpool don’t respond to his injury correctly, it could stall the momentum of their season too.
