NO HARV FEELINGS

Kop crock Elliott says his horror injury was not the fault of Leeds star Struijk

HARVEY ELLIOTT has defended Leeds United star Pascal Struijk over the tackle which left him with a serious ankle injury.

And the young Liverpool midfielder has vowed to come back even stronger.

Elliott is set for surgery after dislocating his ankle in Liverpool’s 3-0 win at Elland Road. The 18-year-old suffered the injury in a challenge from Leeds defender Struijk (right), who was sent off and has apologised.

The Liverpool midfielder responded to the socialmedia apology by saying: “Wasn’t his fault whatsoever! Neither was it a red card, just a freak accident, but these things happen. I’ll be back stronger 100 percent. Thanks for all the support.”

Elliott had earlier said: “I’m of course absolutely devastated about what happened yesterday at Leeds, but have been totally overwhelmed by the love and support shown to me by the entire football world following the injury.

“Thank you so much to everyone who has reached out or sent messages to me and my family, it means so much to us. Also a massive thanks to everyone inside Elland Road for the reception you gave me immediately after it happened.”

Elliott was given lengthy treatment on the pitch, with his team-mates clearly uncomfortable at the sight of the injury in the

59th minute of the

Elland Road showdown. He was whisked to Leeds General Infirmary, where he gave his shirt and one of his boots to a young patient at the hospital. The former Fulham teen will have surgery this week before the severity of the injury is really established.

It is a cruel blow for Elliott, who had burst into the Kop first team this season after a loan spell at Blackburn last term.

The young midfielder had earned rave reviews for his performances against Burnley and Chelsea before the international break. But now he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

He said: “I am now fully focused on my recovery and will give everything in my rehabilitation to be back out there as soon as I can.

“I know I have an incredible support network behind me at Liverpool and together we will get through this.

“To all of the Liverpool fans, your support means the world to me. I’m one of you and I can’t wait to be back faster, fitter and stronger to help the team in the future.”

Elliott made his first-team debut for Fulham in 2018 when he was just 15. He made his Liverpool debut, in a League Cup match against MK Dons, at just 16 years and 174 days.