Liverpool teenager Harvey Elliott suffered a dislocated ankle during his side’s visit to Leeds United on Sunday.
Elliott, 18, was on the receiving end of a challenge from Pascal Struijk in the second half. There was immediate concern from both sets of players following the incident and Struijk was sent off in the 60th minute as a result of the challenge.
Elliott was treated on the pitch for several minutes before being taken off the pitch on a stretcher. He was replaced by Jordan Henderson.
As he was taken off the pitch, some sections of Leeds supporters applauded Elliott and the teenager responded by also clapping.
Post match, Jurgen Klopp spoke on Elliott’s injury. He said: “It’s a bad injury. Ankle, I heard it was dislocated. We could put it back. He’s in the hospital.
“I couldn’t care less [if it was a red card], it is not my business. It is a serious injury, definitely for an 18 year old boy. The red card is not important. Two or three weeks we can play on, Harvey will not.”
Marcelo Bielsa said: “Pascal recovered the ball. The action to get the ball didn’t have an infraction. But I have the feeling that the movement of the rest of his body after he recovered the ball made him hit Elliott. I’m totally sure there was no bad intention.
“Obviously there was some imprudence or excess of power. These types of recovery are totally frequent. The difference here was that the follow through with Pascal’s speed and power clipped the player and caused the injury. I regret dearly that such a young player playing at such a high level has been interrupted, I hope he’s able to get back.”
Elliott posted on his Instagram before the match finished. His message said: “Thank you for the messages guys! Road to recovery. YNWA.”
Prior to Elliott’s injury, Liverpool had taken a 2-0 lead after goals from Mohamed Salah and Fabinho either side of the break. Sadio Mane scored late into the second half to see the game finish 3-0.
