Liverpool have suffered a potential injury blow ahead of their Premier League clash with Leeds United after Harvey Elliott was forced to withdraw from the England Under-21 squad.

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The 18-year-old has made an impressive start to the new season, starting two of the Reds' opening three Premier League fixtures and he was rewarded for his fine form with a call-up to Lee Carsley’s squad.

However, Elliott will have to wait to make his U21s debut after a statement from the English FA revealed that the teenager was one of two players forced to depart from the international setup.

"Harvey Elliott and Ryan Sessegnon have withdrawn from the England men's under-21s squad to play Kosovo on Tuesday," the statement reads.

"Liverpool player Elliott reported for international duty with an injury sustained during his side’s recent draw against Chelsea. Following further assessment, it has been decided that the 18-year-old is unlikely to play any part in the game in Milton Keynes so has returned to his club."

The Three Lions have been drawn in Group G alongside Kosovo, Albania, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Andorra, and won't be back in qualifying action again until October 7 when they travel to Slovenia.

Jurgen Klopp will be gutted

Despite his tender years, Elliott is set to play a big role for Liverpool this season following the departure of Gini Wijnaldum, and Klopp will surely be gutted at his fitness setback.

After excelling in the Championship during a season-long loan with Blackburn Rovers last season where he scored seven goals and provided a further 12 assists in 43 appearances, the teenager has made the transition to life in the top-flight look easy.

As per SofaScore, Elliott has received a match rating of 6.87 out of 10 for his three Premier League appearances of the current campaign, highlighting his solid contribution to the Anfield outfit's success.

His possible enforced absence from Liverpool's starting lineup over the weekend when they travel to Elland Road could be a big blow for Klopp's charges then, and the German tactician will have to turn to alternative options to replace the Englishman.

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