Liverpool could face a setback as Harvey Elliott has been forced to withdraw from the England U21 squad due to injury.
Elliott is one of five players to exit the squad after initially joining up at St George’s Park.
He has been sent back to Liverpool for “further medical assessment.”
Joining Elliott on the sidelines are Ipswich’s Omari Hutchinson, Aston Villa’s Jaden Philogene, and Wigan goalkeeper Sam Tickle, all of whom have also withdrawn due to injuries.
Additionally, Adam Wharton has stayed with Crystal Palace to address a groin issue.
To replace the injured players, Marseille forward Jonathan Rowe, West Brom’s Tom Fellows, and Brentford goalkeeper Matthew Cox have been called up for the upcoming matches against Northern Ireland and Austria.
Elliott has made only one appearance for Liverpool this season – a brief cameo in their 2-0 victory over Brentford.
But he is expected to feature more frequently as the schedule intensifies after the international break.
Liverpool will be hoping the injury is not serious, as Elliott aims to make an impact under new manager Arne Slot.
“The style of play is a lot different. It’s more about in possession now,” he said during pre-season when asked about working under Slot.
“The players are excited, we play certain patterns, it is a good buzz around the team and the lads are excited to apply it in games.
“It’s a fresh start for everyone. I don’t think it is nerves but excitement.
“I think we [will learn it] very quickly to be honest.
“We have seen in the last game there were certain moments where the amazing football was free-flowing.
“It’s pre-season and it is only the first couple of games and we need to keep trusting what they are teaching us.
“We need to keep going if things don’t work out [immediately] because it is all new.
“It is down to me to work as hard as I can, perform in training and games, so it is on myself.
“There’s no one I could blame apart from me.
“I just wanted to come back early to get to grips with the new style of play and meet the coaching staff and gaffer for the first time.
“It gives me a chance to get up and running in pre-season.
“I feel like I’ve done that.
“I just need to keep going and building.”
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