MOT view: Leeds United ace Pascal Struijk can now bury Harvey Elliot horror memory
Leeds United ace Pascal Struijk will finally be able to put his Anfield nightmare behind him with Liverpool’s Harvey Elliot nearing a return.
In a genuine attempt to stop the Reds’ counterattack, Strujik threw in a last-ditch tackle leaving the Liverpool youngster with a fractured dislocation of his ankle.
He was sent off for the severity of his opponents’ injury rather than the nature of the tackle, but the wellbeing of Elliot was evidently the Dutchman’s main consideration.
Understandably so with the horror injury sparking an instant reaction from Liverpool’s paramedics as Whites captain, Liam Cooper, comforted a distraught Struijk.
After undergoing successful surgery and rehabilitation, the Leeds defender will be overjoyed to hear Elliot is set to make a comeback this weekend against Cardiff City in the FA Cup [WalesOnline].
Accident
Unfortunately, these things happen in football even with no malice or intent behind the tackle.
Struijk undoubtedly felt guilty and probably still does as Elliot was just finding his feet in Liverpool’s team and the injury the talented youngster suffered at the Whites ace’s hands was truly horrifying.
But it was clear to see it was an accident. He actually won the ball, but the force of the tackle combined with the awkward landing was the damaging factor.
The centre-back felt so guilty he took to social media to send the 18-year-old a message on social media, he said: “Harvey Elliott, my thoughts are with you.
“I’m gutted and never meant for this to happen; I wish you a speedy recovery and hope to see you back on the pitch soon.”
Struijk can put the whole saga behind them now and get back to business as normal without a guilty conscience.
In other Whites news, Leeds United ace Phillips mocks West Ham over Raphinha bid.