Liverpool fans will be delighted to hear that Harvey Elliott could return to team training in January if everything goes according to plan, James Pearce reports.
The talented teenager was cruelly struck down by a serious ankle injury in September and he has subsequently been on the sidelines for 85 days at the time of writing.
In a season that should have been his breakout campaign, Elliott has missed 18 games and only got the chance to shine in four Premier League games.
According to Pearce: “It’s understood that if everything continues to go smoothly Harvey Elliott should be given the green light to resume team training at some point in January. Then it’s a case of getting fully up to speed before making his comeback.
“Nothing is set in stone at this stage but the prospect of having him back available for the final three months of the season is currently deemed realistic.
“There are still significant hurdles for Elliott to clear as twisting, turning and ball work is added to his programme in the coming weeks. As the intensity levels are cranked up, minor setbacks can occur.”
While Liverpool’s best midfield might not yet feature the 18-year-old, there is no doubt that he can become a truly special player over the next few years.
Fortunately, the Reds’ coaching staff aren’t in a position where they have to force him to realise his potential immediately. He can quietly work behind the scenes, learning from Mohamed Salah, and wait for his chances to shine on the pitch.
We saw in pre-season and the four appearances he made at the start of the campaign that Elliott is capable of fitting in alongside Mo and Trent Alexander-Arnold on that right side.
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