James Balagizi has returned to Liverpool after loan spell at National League side Forest Green Rovers was terminated
James Balagizi in action for Liverpool under-21s
James Balagizi in action for Liverpool under-21s(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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James Balagizi has become the third Liverpool player to be recalled from loan during the mid-season window after his time at Forest Green Rovers was cut short. Balagizi had agreed to spend the campaign on loan at the National League outift after making the switch in the final week of the summer transfer window.
However, the 22-year-old midfielder's appearances were limited to just two starts and eight substitute outings before suffering a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for the past two months.
Balagizi, who has been at Liverpool since under-11 level and had previous temporary spells at Crawley Town, Wigan Athletic and Kilmarnock, will now continue his rehabilitation at Kirkby before a decision is taken on whether to pursue another loan before the transfer deadline on February 2. He is out of contract at the end of the season.
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James McConnell returned to the Reds last week after his season-loan loan at Ajax in Holland was terminated, with the midfielder having been out for a month with an injury from which he continues to recover.
A number of Championship sides wanted a loan move for McConnell last summer and could reignite that interest later this month when the player regains fitness.
Owen Beck, though, is expected to stay with Liverpool U21s for the remainder of the campaign after his time with Championship side Derby County was cut short before a competitive appearance due to hamstring surgery.
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