Harvey Elliott has made just seven appearances on loan at Aston Villa this season, and Liverpool could be considering bringing the midfielder back to Anfield to provide cover amid injury problems
Harvey Elliott reacts
Harvey Elliott has struggled for game time at Aston Villa(Image: Dan Mullan, Getty Images)
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Liverpool could be considering bringing Harvey Elliott back to Anfield for some much-needed cover, after his loan spell at Aston Villa hasn't gone as expected.
The 22-year-old moved to Villa Park this summer on a season-long deal, with Villa having an obligation to make the move permanent based on appearances. Reports suggest that if Elliott plays for Villa 10 times this season, it will activate a clause in his contract making him a permanent member of the club for £35million.
Despite expectations of more regular play time in the Midlands, Elliott has only made seven appearances under Unai Emery this season. Consequently, Liverpool might be contemplating bringing the attacking midfielder back - but there's a hitch.
Since his deal with Villa doesn't include a recall clause, all parties would have to agree to a return to Merseyside. Even though he hasn't used him regularly, Emery might be hesitant to let Elliott leave early, citing intense competition for the No. 10 position as the reason for his limited game time.
However, it's said that the player is disappointed not to have had sufficient opportunities to prove himself with the Villains. As a result, The Athletic reports that Villa are hopeful of reaching a 'new agreement' with Liverpool that suits everyone involved.
It comes as the Reds are currently stretched thin in attack, reports the Liverpool Echo. Cody Gakpo has been out of action with a muscle injury since Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Leeds United earlier this month, whilst Alexander Isak recently had surgery on an ankle injury - including a fractured fibula - on December 22, after picking up the problem against Tottenham Hotspur.
Whilst Gakpo might be available for the match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, December 27, the prognosis for Isak is much more concerning. Discussing the Swedish striker earlier this week, Arne Slot said: "It's going to be a long injury. For a couple of months. That's a big, big, big disappointment for him and as a result of that, of course, also for us."
Harvey Elliott touches the ball
Harvey Elliott is in competition with Morgan Rogers for his place
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Meanwhile, Liverpool are currently without Mohamed Salah due to the attacker's participation in the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, and he could remain away from Anfield until mid-January should his nation reach the final. Recalling Elliott could certainly provide a temporary fix to Liverpool's current injury crisis, considering the Surrey-born player can also operate out wide.
The Reds will be fully aware that should he return, he won't be permitted to make another loan switch this season. Having already turned out for both Liverpool and Aston Villa this campaign, he would be prevented from moving elsewhere in the January transfer window to join a third club, unless it's to a side that doesn't operate under the European football calendar.
Unai Emery reacts
Unai Emery has restricted Harvey Elliott's game time
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Next up for Villa is a journey to Stamford Bridge on Saturday to face Enzo Maresca's Chelsea, and it will be intriguing to see if Elliott gets an opportunity to shine, or whether Emery will choose to field the ever-reliable Morgan Rogers.
The Englishman has impressed this term with a tally of seven goals and three assists from 17 appearances, and has been instrumental in Villa climbing the Premier League standings.
Arne Slot gestures
Arne Slot has some decisions to make
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At the time of writing, the Villains are third on the league table with 11 wins, three draws and three losses. They also sit just three points shy of table toppers Arsenal, and a point beneath Manchester City.
Emery will hope to not only potentially climb to first-place when his side play at Stamford Bridge this weekend, but also bolster the gap between themselves and Chelsea. Seven points currently separate third and fourth in the standings, but Villa will be keen to expand on that come Saturday.
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