Harvey Elliott is edging towards a Liverpool return having spent over 100 days out injured.
The young midfielder saw his season cut short during the 3-0 win at Leeds back in September.
Elliott suffered a dislocated ankle which came at a time when he was beginning to establish himself as a regular.
The 18-year-old spent last season on loan at Blackburn Rovers and looks to have benefitted from the temporary move away.
Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders has previously praised the teenager and claims he hasn't lost a step having seen him in training.
"He didnt lose his football brain during the time he was off," said Lijnders.
Have Your Say! Should Harvey Elliott be a starter for Liverpool? Tell us your prediction here.
"Yesterday it would be a crime not playing him if you see him in training.
"Some players don't knock on the door, they run through it and Harvey is like that in each session. He is coming back from a long-term injury so it is important he is team fit, that he prepares himself well but it is great to have him back."
Liverpool's midfield is the one area where personnel changes regularly happen.
Elliott offered a new dynamic and Lijnders wants him to again establish himself.
He added: "You saw in the first games of the season how he influenced our style. We are happy that he is back with us, doing all the things we normally do.
"We like the players who have goals in them, not just dribbles or technique but always searches for the last pass. He influences our game a lot."
We take a look at who could prosper but also who could be hindered by Elliott's return.
Winners
The forward line
Mo Salah and Sadio Mane are currently absent and talk following the goalless Arsenal draw was how much they missed the duo.
The Reds responded by sticking four past Brentford, but there remains room for a creative influence.
Liverpool don't play with a conventional playmaker like a lot of their rivals, but Elliott's courage on the ball and eye for a pass means he could flourish in such a role.
He was hugely creative at Blackburn last term and the likes of Salah, Mane and Diogo Jota could yet benefit from the teenager.
Jurgen Klopp
Having options is a problem for a manager, but one they all like to have.
The German will also be well aware that his midfield is not getting any younger with the likes of Thiago, Jordan Henderson and James Milner all 30 or older.
As a result players will pick up injuries and having sufficient cover will be key.
Elliott presents him with exactly that and the minutes he handed the youngster earlier this season shows he has huge faith in him.
Losers
Curtis Jones
The academy graduate was grabbing the headlines before Elliott came on the scene.
Jones announced himself with an FA Cup winner against Everton back in 2020 and has been given opportunities regularly since.
He's shown a great attitude and tackled challenges head on, but should Elliott be thrown in to the mix Jones could be among those to suffer.
Liverpool, still battling on four fronts, will need a blend of youth but also control and experience.
As a result it seems unlikely that Jurgen Klopp will play Jones and Elliott, two relatively inexperienced players, in a midfield three.
Tyler Morton
Very much the same as Jones, only even more extreme.
Morton has been given minutes this year and showed plenty of promise when he helped the Reds win in the San Siro.
Across the campaign he's made eight appearances, but Elliott may yet hamper his minutes.
Thiago, Henderson, Fabinho, Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are all options for Klopp, who must use them alongside his young talents.
