Liverpool have recalled young centre-back Nathaniel Phillips from his loan spell at Stuttgart amid their defensive injury struggles.
The 22-year-old has made 11 appearances in all competitions for the 2. Bundesliga side after sealing a summer loan move.
But with Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip still sidelined and the Reds facing a hectic winter schedule, Jurgen Klopp has opted to bring him back to Merseyside to add an extra option at the heart of defence.
Phillips will return at the start of January and immediately be eligible to feature, with the first game of his availability coming as they take on local rivals Everton in the FA Cup third round on January 5.
Phillips, who joined Liverpool from Bolton in 2018, largely featured for the Under-23s last season but was an unused squad member in the Champions League Final.
He impressed in their pre-season tour of the United States, with Jurgen Klopp playing a prominent role in securing a temporary move to improve his development.
Discussing his loan move earlier this year, Phillips told BILD: “I told Jurgen Klopp about a few offers I had, Stuttgart was not one of them at that time.
"Jurgen was not enthusiastic about the options and I think he called Sven Mislintat shortly after our meeting.
“Klopp congratulated me on this move and he immediately wrote me a message on his phone: ‘Good club, great city, my birthplace, I wish you a great time.”
He is now set to get a first team opportunity after being recalled as he aims to make an immediate impact upon his return to Anfield.
Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk have impressed at centre-back during their injury issues but the Reds will hope Phillips can ease the burden on the pair with a huge run of games still ahead for the Premier League leaders.
