A pre-season injury might open one avenue for Harvey Elliott to complete a transfer away from Liverpool
On the eve of the new Premier League campaign, Liverpool's rivals Tottenham Hotspur have been struck by a potentially severe injury blow for James Maddison. This comes not long after fellow attacking midfielder Harvey Elliott was linked with making the switch to North London.
Spurs, facing Newcastle United in Seoul, South Korea on Sunday, witnessed their No.10 stretchered off in clear distress. Maddison did not appear to have made contact with an opponent before hopping on one foot and falling to the ground in clear pain, requiring medical treatment.
Awaiting the prognosis, it could end up a problem for manager Thomas Frank who will have ambition to challenge the reigning Premier League champions Liverpool in 2025/26.
If they are required to do so, Spurs will have little under one month to sign a replacement using the open transfer market. Coincidentally, GIVEMESPORT recently suggested the London club were one of several with eyes on Elliott after a failed attempt to sign Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White.
The 22-year-old claimed a Premier League winner's medal at the end of last season but with a reduced contribution under Arne Slot than he had been allowed under previous boss Jurgen Klopp. His campaign ended with 28 appearances but totalled just 822 minutes played.
This resulted in a reduced return of five goals and three assists in all competitions.
Across the summer his fortunes changed for the better playing for England at the Under-21 European Championships, which Lee Carsley's team won with the Liverpool talent named player of the tournament.
Meanwhile back on Merseyside, the Reds were busy beginning their summer haul of seven new signings so far. Amongst them was another player to provide competition for his position, Florian Wirtz, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen for a British record £116m fee.
Elliott has been public about his personal scenario and the decision he must make to stay and fight for a place at Anfield or leave for a fresh challenge.
Speaking to The Anfield Wrap last week, he admitted: "If I had it my way I would be here for the rest of my career, it's as simple as that.
"I love everything about the club, but at the same time I kind of need to be selfish and see what's best for me. I have big ambitions. I want to get in the World Cup squad.
"I want to keep being successful as a player. It's something I still need to review. I need to have a talk with everyone and review the situation.
"We have many new players who have come in so whether it blocks the path for me I'm not sure. It's something I need to have a look at and decide."