Liverpool youngster Harvey Elliott has been forced to withdraw from the England Under 21 squad with an injury.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder was called up by new manager Lee Carsley for the first time to represent the Young Lions in a European Championship qualifier against Kosovo on Tuesday night.
However, the teenage starlet will return to Merseyside instead in a bid to be fit for a trip to Leeds United on Saturday.
Elliott’s withdrawal was confirmed by the club’s official website as well as on Twitter on Monday afternoon.
Meanwhile, fellow Red Curtis Jones has remained with the squad despite being suspended for the clash at Stadium MK.
Elliott, who has made 11 appearances across various youth levels for England, was in line to make an Under 21 bow on Friday against Romania before the friendly was postponed due to positive Covid-19 tests within the camp.
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Liverpool fans everywhere will be hoping this is no more than a precaution.
With Roberto Firmino and Takumi Minamino already in doubt for the visit to Yorkshire, having made such a bright start to the season Jurgen Klopp will be desperate to have Elliott fit and available.
Valued at £13.5million (Transfermarkt), the former Fulham ace has looked the part as a surprise addition in midfield this season and will be in line to start at Elland Road if possible.
