-Credit:Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Arne Slot has discussed Harvey Elliott’s next steps at Liverpool after the midfielder was linked with the Anfield exit.
A broken foot suffered earlier in the season has left the England under-21 international on the fringes of Slot’s squad since his recovery. He has made only seven substitute appearances in the Premier League this season.
The 21-year-old’s lack of action has alerted clubs to his potential availability in the January transfer window or in the summer, with Sky Sports reporting both Brighton & Hove Albion and Borussia Dortmund are tracking Elliott’s situation closely.
Elliott was an unused substitute in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semifinal first-leg defeat to Tottenham, despite Slot using the break from Premier League action to freshen up his team. Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie against League Two Accrington Stanley could represent an opportunity for Elliott to get some valuable minutes under his belt.
But at Friday’s prematch press conference at the AXA Training Centre, Slot said he will continue to handle Elliott’s fitness cautiously to reduce the risk of him breaking down again.
Slot says he will continue to be careful with Elliott’s fitness -Credit:Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
“I agree with you, he is talented, been that for so long,” Slot replied when asked about Elliott’s situation. “In recent weeks, he’s been in a lot, but like it is for all the others, they are in competition with the others. He was unlucky he got injured and was out for a long time.
“What I have seen for all players injured, in this league, with the quality, it is not so easy to come back and be at your best immediately. I see it with Harvey and all the other players who have been out six or seven weeks.
“We need to find the balance between playing time to get them back to their best but also be able to win. If you are 5-0 up you can give them long time, half an hour or so but we don’t win like that [a lot].”
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Elliott has become a valuable squad player since moving to Anfield from Fulham in 2019. After a breakthrough loan season with Blackburn Rovers in 2020/21, he became a regular under Jurgen Klopp – making 99 appearances in the German’s final two seasons with the Reds.
But with just nine appearances and one goal since Slot’s arrival, Elliott’s future with the club is in doubt.