Harvey Elliott has played just seven times for Aston Villa this season since agreeing a season-long loan move from Liverpool
Harvey Elliott applauds
Harvey Elliott has failed to see much game time with Aston Villa(Image: OLI SCARFF, AFP via Getty Images)
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Liverpool could be considering bringing Harvey Elliott back to Anfield for some much-needed cover, following a less-than-successful loan spell at Aston Villa. The 22-year-old joined the Villains on a season-long loan this summer, with a clause that would make the move permanent based on appearances.
Reports suggest that if Elliott plays 10 games for Villa this season, it will activate a clause in his contract making him a permanent member of the club for £35million. Despite hopes of more regular play time in the Midlands, Elliott has only made seven appearances under Unai Emery this season.
This could lead Liverpool to potentially contemplate recalling the attacking midfielder, but there's a hitch. Since his deal with Villa doesn't include a recall clause, all parties involved would have to agree to his return to Merseyside.
Even though he hasn't given Elliott much game time, Emery might be hesitant to let him go early, citing intense competition for the No. 10 spot as the reason for his limited minutes. However, it's reported that the player is disappointed with the lack of opportunities to prove himself at Villa.
According to The Athletic, Villa are hopeful of reaching a 'new agreement' with Liverpool that suits everyone. It comes as Liverpool's attack is currently stretched thin, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Cody Gakpo has been out of action with a muscle injury since Liverpool's 3-3 stalemate with Leeds United earlier this month, while Alexander Isak recently had surgery on an ankle problem - including a fractured fibula - on December 22, after picking up the injury against Tottenham Hotspur.
While Gakpo may be available for the clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, December 27, the prognosis for Isak is considerably more concerning. Discussing the Swedish international 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."
Arne Slot gestures
Arne Slot has some decisions to make
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(Image: Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Liverpool are currently without Mohamed Salah due to the attacker competing in the Africa Cup Of Nations with his national side, Egypt. He could be away from Anfield until mid-January should his nation reach the final.
Recalling Elliott could certainly provide a short-term fix to Liverpool's current injury crisis, considering the Surrey-born talent can also operate on the flank. The Reds will be fully aware that should he return, he will be prevented from making another loan switch this season.
Having already turned out for Liverpool and Aston Villa, he will be blocked from moving in the January transfer window to join a third club, unless it is to a side which does not adhere to the European football calendar. Villa's next challenge is a visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday to take on Enzo Maresca's Chelsea.
It remains to be seen whether Elliott will get an opportunity to shine, or if Emery will stick with the reliable Morgan Rogers. Liverpool, meanwhile, return to Anfield to face Rob Edwards' struggling Wolves, who are yet to secure a win from their first 17 games.
Alexander Isak receives attention
Alexander Isak will be side-lined for months
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(Image: Getty Images)
With Isak sidelined, Slot is likely to put Hugo Ekitike in the central role, given the Frenchman's impressive form this season. The 23-year-old has scored eight times in 16 appearances so far and has been a thorn in the side of every team he's faced.
However, there are concerns about who will support Ekitike on the flanks this weekend. With Salah unavailable and Gakpo potentially out due to injury, Slot may have to field three attacking midfielders instead of his usual setup of one striker and two wingers.
Against Spurs, the Dutch manager chose Florian Wirtz on the left, Dominik Szoboszlai on the right, and Alexis Mac Allister in the hole. Thanks to their efforts, Liverpool clinched a narrow 2-1 victory over a nine-man Spurs side. It will be intriguing to see if Slot employs the same strategy this weekend.
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