A Liverpool star has returned from international duty early – sparking fears among fans of a potential injury.

The international break takes place this and next week, with European sides competing in their first Nations League fixtures of the new campaign.

For South American teams, there are a number of World Cup qualifying matches on the horizon.

And for U21 sides in Europe, teams are competing in the latest set of Elite League fixtures.

One player that won’t be involved, however, is Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, who has returned home from England U21 duty after withdrawing from the squad.

The young Three Lions are working under interim manager Ben Futcher for the first time after Lee Carsley took the interim senior role for Nations League fixtures against Republic of Ireland and Finland.

In an official statement confirming Elliott’s withdrawal, England did not confirm any specific injury to the midfielder, but did state he had returned to Liverpool for ‘further medical treatment’.

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He is one of several players to go back to their clubs, with Ipswich’s Omari Hutchinson and Aston Villa’s Jaden Philogene among the other withdrawals from the squad.

An England statement reads: “Matthew Cox, Tom Fellows and Jonathan Rowe have joined England MU21s ahead of their upcoming fixtures against Northern Ireland and Austria.

“Harvey Elliott, Omari Hutchinson, Jaden Philogene and Sam Tickle initially reported to St George’s Park earlier this week but have now returned to their clubs for further medical assessment.

“Adam Wharton will also play no part in the upcoming fixtures, with the midfielder remaining with his club on medical advice.”

Elliott has not started any of Liverpool’s opening three Premier League matches so far under new manager Arne Slot.

His only appearance was an eight-minute cameo off the bench in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brentford, with Slot preferring other options in midfield to start the season.