Harvey Elliott marks Liverpool return by getting a goal and an assist in a friendly against Wrexham

Harvey Elliott returned to action for Liverpool in a behind-closed-doors game against Wrexham on Saturday.

The 18-year-old was carried off on a stretcher after he suffered a serious ankle injury against Leeds back in September and was taken straight to hospital.

Two days later, he underwent successful surgery in London and Liverpool expressed their hope that he would play again before the end of the season.

Having returned to training quicker than expected earlier this month, Elliott has now taken the next step in his recovery by getting some game time.

Liverpool’s Under-23s played a behind-closed-doors friendly against National League side Wrexham on Saturday, which the Telegraph’s Paul Joyce tweeted was specifically ‘arranged’ for Elliott.

The Liverpool Echo add that the teenager played 60 minutes of the match, starting as a right midfielder before pushing forward to the right of a front three after halftime.

In the most exciting news for Reds fans, Elliott provided a goal and an assist in the fixture as he came through unscathed.

It means that Jurgen Klopp could hand the winger a return to competitive action when Liverpool host Cardiff City in the FA Cup fourth round on February 6.

Elliott, who spent the 2020-21 campaign on loan at Blackburn Rovers, started three of the Reds’ first four Premier League games of this season before his injury.