Ex-manager stunned by ‘incredible’ Elliott development at Liverpool
Alex McLeish has paid credit to the Liverpool backroom staff after Harvey Elliott’s “incredible” recovery from an ankle injury.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted he was stunned to see the 18-year-old back on the grass so soon after undergoing surgery.
Liverpool posted a video to Twitter on Monday (15th November) of the teenager stepping up his rehab by returning to the outdoor pitches.
Elliott underwent an operation on a fracture-dislocation suffered against Leeds back in September.
He also suffered ligament damage.
McLeish admitted he almost expected the hot prospect to miss much of the season.
“Back in the day, it would probably have been career-threatening, an injury like that,” McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“But it just shows the strides we’ve made in the medical world. There’s got to be big credit that goes to the Liverpool backroom team – sports science, etcetera – for getting this young man back to the level where he was before.
“An exciting talent. I think not only Liverpool fans but the football world was horrified to see the injury at the time.
“Knowing that he’s made such a speedy recovery, that is incredible. I thought we wouldn’t see him again for a while, maybe not even this season.”
Elliott featured in all four of Liverpool’s opening league games this season before being sidelined.
He has played a total of 13 times for the Reds’ first team so far.
Following surgery, Liverpool refused to put a return date on Elliott, but did state he was expected to return before the end of the season.
He had been pictured doing gym work before returning to the training ground pitches.
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