Jurgen Klopp Was Overjoyed At Seeing Harvey Elliott Return To Training, He's A Footballing Father Figure

Jurgen Klopp went straight over to Harvey Elliott to give him a big hug after he returned to Liverpool training today.

The 18-year-old suffered a dislocated ankle in the 3-0 win over Leeds United back in September, the horror injury happening as a result of an entirely accidental collision with Pascal Struijk.

Elliott was seen in immediate discomfort and had to be stretchered off. He then went underwent successful surgery and began his road to recovery.

Four months on and the former Fulham youngster has given Liverpool a timely boost in the absence of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane after taking to the pitch at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby.

And in a wholesome video doing the rounds, Klopp gave him the warmest of welcomes.

The German went over to Elliott and the two shared a wonderful embrace. He lifted him off the ground and the father and son vibes were strong.

Unsurprisingly, Reds fans absolutely loved the moment Klopp dished out one of his signature hugs:

Prior to his injury, Elliott had made four appearances for Liverpool in the early parts of the season and looked set to play an important role following on from a productive loan spell at Blackburn Rovers.

He's returned to full training much quicker than expected, however, and assistant manager Pep Lijnders is delighted to have him back amongst the group.

"He didn't lose his football brain during the time he was off," Lijnders said in his press conference ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg vs Arsenal.

"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.'"

Featured Image Credit: Image: Liverpool FC

Topics: Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool, Harvey Elliott, Leeds United

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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