Exploring Harvey Elliott’s Liverpool Struggles Under Arne Slot with Latest Injury Another Hurdle | OneFootball

Harvey Elliott’s Injury: Impact on Liverpool’s Season

Liverpool fans are reeling from the latest injury setback for young star Harvey Elliott. In a recent Anfield Index podcast, Dave Hendrick delved into the ramifications of Elliott’s fractured leg, which could sideline him for up to six weeks. With critical fixtures looming, Elliott’s absence leaves a hole in the squad, and Hendrick did not shy away from discussing the uphill battle ahead for both the player and the team.

Elliott’s Rollercoaster Season So Far

Harvey Elliott’s current campaign has been one of frustration. Despite making 99 appearances over the past two seasons, this year has seen the young midfielder struggle for regular game time under new manager Arne Slot. As Hendrick pointed out, “Harvey has barely played this season,” with the player only featuring as a late substitute in a couple of matches. The hope was that he could get back into form with a run of games for the England U-21s, but now an unfortunate injury has put those plans on hold.

The timing of the injury couldn’t be worse, as Liverpool enters a packed fixture schedule. “He was likely hoping to come back with Liverpool having a lot of games coming up and get minutes,” noted Hendrick. Unfortunately, this setback will limit his ability to make his mark under Slot, a manager who “started with everyone on a clean slate,” which may hurt Elliott’s prospects of securing a consistent place in the starting lineup.

Arne Slot’s Approach and What It Means for Elliott

A significant talking point in the podcast was the contrast between Jürgen Klopp and new manager Arne Slot. Under Klopp, Elliott was a favourite and regularly featured even if his performances weren’t always at their peak. “With Jürgen last season, Harvey was playing one way or another, whether the game called for him or not,” said Hendrick. Klopp clearly valued Elliott’s potential, and his frequent appearances underscored that faith.

Photo: IMAGO

However, Slot’s approach is markedly different. As Hendrick observed, Slot expects players to “earn” their place in the team. “Quite clearly this manager doesn’t view him in the same way right now that Jürgen did last season,” he added. Elliott’s injury now puts him in a precarious position, as Slot’s clean slate philosophy means that once a player is sidelined, they could easily lose ground to other squad members. Hendrick emphasized, “Harvey now doesn’t know when he’s going to get back in the team or get minutes.”

How the Injury Affects Liverpool’s Midfield Options

Liverpool’s midfield has undergone a significant transformation this season, with several players competing for limited spots. Elliott’s injury now leaves the door open for others, and Hendrick speculated on who might fill the void. “You don’t know if Cody Gakpo could come into the team and played really well in his absence,” he said.

Moreover, Liverpool’s depth in midfield may limit Elliott’s opportunities to return once he recovers. Hendrick pointed out that while Elliott is a talented player, “he’s also behind a number of footballers who are just frankly better than him.” As a result, the fight for a spot in the starting XI will be even tougher for the young midfielder, especially as he lacks the physical gifts and experience of some of his teammates.

A Long Road to Recovery

While the podcast highlighted Elliott’s potential, the reality is that he faces a challenging period ahead. The next six weeks could see him miss crucial matches against teams like West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Chelsea. Hendrick even suggested that Elliott might not return to the starting lineup until mid-November, depending on the team’s form and injury situation at that point.

Nevertheless, Hendrick remained optimistic about Elliott’s long-term prospects, acknowledging the player’s intelligence and work rate. “Nobody would ever question Harvey Elliott’s effort,” he said. However, as Hendrick noted, effort alone won’t be enough in Slot’s Liverpool. Elliott will need to prove himself again once he returns, earning his place in a squad filled with talent.

In conclusion, Harvey Elliott’s injury presents a significant setback, not only for the player but also for Liverpool’s season. The next few months will be crucial in determining how quickly he can return to full fitness and whether he can regain the trust of Arne Slot. As Dave Hendrick eloquently put it, “Go and prove it on the pitch.” For Elliott, that challenge now seems more daunting than ever.