LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JUNE 24: Harvey Elliott of Liverpool in action during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace at Anfield on June 24, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Phil Noble/Pool via Getty Images)
According to Mirror, Harvey Elliott could be recalled to Liverpool to provide cover for the injured Diogo Jota. The former Wolves man got a knock in the last Champions League group game and could be out for 6-8 weeks according to Jurgen Klopp (source – Sky Sports).
The 17-year-old Elliott started his youth career at QPR before moving to Fulham. He made his debut for Fulham in 2018 in an EFL Cup tie against Millwall. The player was just 15 at the time. Last year in May, he became the youngest ever player to play in the Premier League when he came on as a substitute against Wolves.
He featured 19 times for the U-18s, scoring 5 and assisting 4 (source – Transfermarkt). Also, he played 3 games for the senior side. Liverpool signed him ahead of last season. He was slotted straight into the U-23s but was called for the occasional appearance for the senior side.
So far, he has 9 appearances for the senior side, with an assist to his name. Finally, he was sent on loan to Blackburn Rovers before the close of the domestic transfer window. In 13 games for them so far, he has scored 3 and assisted 4. Elliott is currently a part of the England U-17s with 7 appearances and 3 goals to date.
With a crucial season underway for Liverpool as the defending Champions of the Premier League, they have been dealt a bad hand when it comes to injuries. First it was Alisson, then Van Dijk, then Gomez. Several others such as Matip, Fabinho, Shaqiri, Milner, Arnold and Thiago have all been hit with different injuries.
Amidst all that, Diogo Jota’s form was a ray of sunshine. The Portuguese has taken everyone by storm at Liverpool with his blistering performances ever since putting on the red shirt. Yet, it all came to a halt as he picked up a long-term knee injury.
It should be worrying for Liverpool because he has been a huge source of goals this season. Despite this grave situation, Liverpool must not look at the prospect of recalling Harvey Elliott from his loan spell at Blackburn Rovers.
This season, he is finally getting the required game time for his development and has produced good numbers in front of goal. One needs to remember that Liverpool still have their potent front three fit and firing, while they also have the likes of Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi as cover.
To recall Elliott only to have him sit on the bench as cover would be a very foolish decision on the part of the club. They should allow him to complete his loan spell without any hiccups.