Jurgen Klopp is seen giving Harvey Elliott a bear hug and lifting Liverpool youngster off the ground in viral video before teenager returned to first-team training after suffering dislocated ankle last year
- Harvey Elliott suffered a horrible injury in the win at Leeds in September
- But Liverpool teenager has returned to training just four months after the injury
- No one appeared more delighted to see him return than Reds boss Jurgen Klopp
A video showing a delighted Jurgen Klopp giving Harvey Elliott a bear hug on his return to Liverpool training has gone viral.
The 18-year-old impressed during the early stages of the season but then dislocated his ankle during Liverpool’s 3-0 win over back in September.
However, just four months after sustaining the injury, the Reds youngster has returned to first-team training sooner than expected.
A video showing Jurgen Klopp (R) giving Harvey Elliott (L) a bear hug on his return to Liverpool training has gone viral
Klopp slightly crouches down and embraces the midfielder before putting an arm around him
No one however appeared happier to see Elliott back with the group at the AXA Training Centre in Kirby than German boss Klopp.
A video has emerged of Klopp approaching Elliott as the squad jogged onto the training pitch, before slightly crouching down and embracing the midfielder.
The ex-Borussia Dortmund boss then lifts Elliott off his feet, then puts an arm around him and gives him a pat on the back as they both too head out towards training.
Klopp’s No 2 Pep Lijnders revealed earlier this week the youngster, who was seen smashing in goals and sharing a joke with Virgil Van Dijk in training, is set to reprise that important role in the heart of Liverpool’s midfield once he’s back to full fitness.
Elliott has returned to Liverpool training four months after dislocating his ankle at Leeds
‘He didn’t lose his football brain during the time he was off,’ the Reds assistant manager said. ‘Yesterday it would be a crime not playing him if you see him in training.
‘Some players don’t knock on the door, they run through it and Harvey is like that in each session. He is coming back from a long-term injury so it is important he is team fit, that he prepares himself well but it is great to have him back.
‘You saw in the first games of the season how he influenced our style. We are happy that he is back with us, doing all the things we normally do.
‘We like the players who have goals in them, not just dribbles or technique but always searches for the last pass. He influences our game a lot.’
Liverpool’s assistant boss Pep Lijnders wants Elliott to reprise a key role in the team’s midfield
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