LIVERPOOL youngster Nathaniel Phillips has been recalled to Merseyside after an agreement was reached with Stuttgart for his loan spell to end.

The defender will return at the beginning of January and is expected to feature in the FA Cup third round clash with local rivals Everton.

Phillips was sent on loan to the German second division side in the summer and has made eleven appearances in all competitions.

The Reds have been plagued with injuries in both defence and midfield, with centre-backs Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren currently out injured.

Phillips, 22, will provide cover for Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez at the heart of Jurgen Klopp's defence, with a busy winter schedule currently in full flow.

It is expected that Jurgen Klopp will name a weakened side for the FA Cup Merseyside derby on January 5, with the focus being firmly on winning the Premier League.

Liverpool are looking to secure their first league title since 1990, and their first of the Premier League era.

The Bolton-born defender was an unused squad member in Madrid in June when Liverpool lifted the Champions League trophy for a sixth time.

Phillips was impressive for Liverpool during their pre-season tour of the United States, with Jurgen Klopp playing a role in securing a loan deal with Stuggart.

Phillips told BILD earlier this year: “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.”

Liverpool are the run-away leaders in the Premier League this season, currently 13 points clear at the top of the table, although Manchester City will look to close the gap as they take on Wolves tonight.

The Reds brushed aside Leicester City last night, with Wolves also being next up for Klopp's side.

The league leaders host Nuno Espirito Santo's team on December 29, before kicking off the New Year at home to high-flying Sheffield United.

Liverpool recently secured the continental treble by beating Brazilian side Flamengo in extra-time of the Club World Cup final.

Forward Roberto Firmino scored the only goal of the game to add to the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup titles that were won in the summer.

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