Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed his support for midfielder Harvey Elliott, who has seen a significant reduction in playing time under the Dutch manager compared to his tenure under Jurgen Klopp.

This season, Elliott has been in the starting lineup for just four matches, including three domestic cup games and one Champions League match with nothing at stake. This has fueled speculation about the 22-year-old possibly exploring a move this summer, with Newcastle United reportedly showing interest.

Elliott’s playing time was impacted by a broken foot that sidelined him for two months before Christmas. Slot has insisted this injury played a role in the limited opportunities available to Elliott. After the young player recovered in November, the manager was hesitant to disrupt what he viewed as a successful team setup.

“I think it’s very important that players who are here with us like to stay. That’s a big compliment to everyone working here,” Slot explained, implying Elliott isn’t seeking a transfer behind the scenes.

Elliott had publicly suggested similar earlier this week, pledging his commitment to Liverpool despite the frustrating and “difficult” circumstance he has found himself in.

“Harvey is one of the players that hasn’t had as much playing time as he maybe deserves,” Slot said.

“But like some others he is in competition with so many good players that mainly [I] have chosen other players. Also, partly because he was injured for a long time, and I’ve been honest with him.”

The boss continued: “The first part after he came back from his injury, he wasn’t the same as he was before his injury. But the last few months he’s back to his old level again but there was no need for me to start with different players. I think if you look at the amount of minutes he had in the last one or two months and the time before you can see it goes up already. That tells you that I like him more now than I did when he came back from his injury in the first month.”

The games that Elliott has played this season have come in a variety of positions, on either flank, in central midfield and as a number 10.

His contract, signed in 2022, runs to 2027, with £40m rumoured to be Liverpool’s valuation.