Reds midfielder forced to return from loan after injury

Liverpool's loaned midfielder James Balagizi has returned to the club temporarily from Crawley Town to investigate a suspected injury

James Balagizi at Crawley Town

Balagizi will be put to medical examination after being forced out of training with the League 2 team ahead of their home game against Stevenage on Friday.

The 19-year-old midfielder is believed to have spotted the problem during his international duties with England U20s, which he was involved in victories over Chile, Morocco and Australia at the end of last month.

Balagizi made his move to Crawley in August and has since scored three goals and providing one assist in 10 games for the lower division side. 

The highlight of his career so far has been a goal in the second round of the Carabao Cup as Crowley beat Premier League side Fulham in a surprise 2-0 win.

Balagizi signed a new contract with  Liverpool in June.

After joining the Merseyside club as an Un11 Manchester City player, he made his way through the Academy and became a member of Liverpool's youth squad for the 2021 FA Youth Cup final.

He was present as an unused substitute for the first team twice last season — in the League Cup third round match against Norwich City and the away match against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup.