Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain posted on his Instagram story ‘hard work pays off’ after Harvey Elliott returned to action by scoring during Liverpool’s 3-1 FA Cup win against Cardiff.
Months after suffering a serious ankle injury, the 18-year-old returned to the Anfield stage to a rapturous welcome.
Even though Elliott has been out of action for so long, he looked like his old self pretty much straight away, both brave and ruthless on the ball.
That was showcased when he put his team 3-0 ahead with a brilliant, first touch, turn and volley to all but confirm his side’s passage into the next round of the FA Cup.
Watching on from home, Oxlade-Chamberlain issued this response to his teammate’s goalscoring return.
“What a finish,” said Oxlade-Chamberlain. “Welcome back bro. Hard work pays off.”
Elliott will feel that he is pretty lucky to return to action so soon after such a serious injury.
But his rehabilitation, the work of the Liverpool medical staff and perhaps his young age has helped him get back onto the field quicker than usual.
Now it’s a case of easing him back into action and the all-action teenager providing Liverpool with some much-needed depth heading into the final few months of the season.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are in all competitions so far, the FA Cup, League Cup final, the Champions League and they will think that they still have a chance of catching the runaway train that is Manchester City in the Premier League.
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