[Highlight] Liverpool 3-1 Cardiff: Harvey Elliott scores on return from injury.
Harvey Elliott’s goal-scoring comeback in Liverpool’s 3-1 FA Cup fourth-round win against Cardiff was described by Jurgen Klopp as a “fairytale” after he had been out for five months with a catastrophic ankle injury.
After Diogo Jota’s header had opened the score early in the second half, Elliott came off the bench with new acquisition Luis Diaz.
continue >>> Harvey Elliott scores on return from injury
Diaz had an immediate impact as he sent up Takumi Minamino for a goal that doubled Liverpool’s lead.
But it was Elliott who received the most applause when he scored on the volley 14 minutes from time.
When Elliott dislocated his ankle against Leeds, there were worries he might be out for the rest of the season.
“Coming on was a huge step back, but scoring this goal was like something out of a storybook,” Klopp remarked.
“Harvey had bad luck with the injury, but good luck with the rest of the procedure.”
“Everything went off without a hitch. He did an amazing job, and the medical department did an amazing job. He’s a bold young man and a fantastic footballer.”
The Bluebirds got a goal back through Rubin Colwill, but Liverpool will face Norwich in the last 16 at Anfield.
Klopp was without Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah for the last time owing to their involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, with the club teammates poised to square off in the final on Sunday when Senegal takes on Egypt.
Klopp used the chance to choose a solid team after a two-week layoff.
However, the home side was disappointed throughout the opening 45 minutes, as Dillon Phillips made a fantastic save to deny Jota and Minamino had a goal disallowed.
With a wonderful header from Trent Alexander-free-kick, Arnold’s Jota eventually broke the deadlock.
As they walked in, Diaz and Elliott were greeted with a standing ovation.
Diaz displayed his fast feet to pounce on a Cardiff defensive blunder and bring the ball back for Minamino to finish after Liverpool beat Tottenham to the Colombian’s signature for an initial £37.5 million ($50 million).
“We greeted them with ‘Welcome to England!'” Klopp continued. “He set up an absolutely great high press goal for Taki, and I love it.”
Elliott is one of English football’s brightest young talents, as he proved with a wonderful touch and finish from Andy Robertson’s cross.
A much-modified Cardiff received a consolation goal 10 minutes from time to remember their journey to Anfield, as youngster Colwill polished off an excellent counter-attack.
