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Sources: Harvey Elliott set for Liverpool return against Arsenal as Chelsea absence explained
Harvey Elliott is in line to return to the Liverpool squad to face Arsenal after being left out of Tuesday’s trip to Chelsea for reasons unrelated to injury or illness, sources have told Football Insider.
The midfielder celebrated his 20th birthday on the day of the Reds’ visit to Stamford Bridge but was forced to watch on from Merseyside as his teammates secured a goalless draw.
The same was also true of talismanic defender Virgil van Dijk, who failed to travel after battling with illness in the build-up to the game.
However, Football Insider understands that the Dutchman was the only enforced absence from Jurgen Klopp’s squad in midweek, meaning Elliott was left out for alternative reasons.
His omission was likely a recognition of a sizeable workload that had seen him appear in all 41 of Liverpool’s games this season prior to their meeting with Chelsea.
The 20-year-old was the only Reds player to have held that ever-present record – a testament to the faith he has earned from his manager.
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And Klopp’s belief in the former Fulham youngster is sure to put him in contention for an immediate return to the starting line-up against Arsenal.
Elliott played a key role in Anfield wins over Manchester City and Manchester United earlier this season, and it will be hoped that he can be equally influential against the Premier League leaders.
Speaking after the latter victory, the Englishman underlined his desire to keep improving, saying: “I want to influence the game and I want to see the team win.
“I do get frustrated with myself when I can’t do that. I hate it when I miss chances. I should be scoring but I don’t. That’s my only frustration.
“All these other things will come in the future. I’m learning every day and I couldn’t wish to learn from a better manager. The team around me – the players, the coaching staff. There is no better place to be.
“I’m taking everything on board every day and putting it into my game. I look at my mistakes to ensure they don’t happen again and that’s why I will keep going forward.”
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