Harvey Elliott and Jude Bellingham send messages to injured Liverpool striker

Layton Stewart has confirmed that he suffered a serious knee injury while playing for Liverpool Under-23s in Premier League 2 at the weekend

Liverpool striker Layton Stewart has been inundated with message of support following his injury blow.

Stewart has confirmed that he suffered a serious knee injury - rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament - while playing for Liverpool Under-23s on Saturday.

The 18-year-old forward twisted and fell awkwardly when challenging for possession in the 1-1 draw against West Ham United in Premier League 2.

The Reds' Academy prospect and England youth international is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Stewart posted on Instagram on Sunday: "As most of you probably already know I suffered an injury to my right knee in last night's game which (will require) me to get another operation as I've ruptured my ACL.

"It's a hard one to take but time to focus on my rehabilitation and getting myself back fit and playing as soon as possible.

"It's going to be a long road to recovery but I'll be BACK... Thank you for all the messages."

Stewart, who had an ankle operation early last year, is the latest Liverpool youngster to sustain an ACL injury, with striker Paul Glatzel and winger Abdi Sharif absent for more than a year after suffering similar damage in the summer of 2019.

It is also the same injury suffered by Liverpool first-team defender Virgil van Dijk, who has been sidelined since October.

Following Stewart's Instagram post, a host of well-wishers replied, including some team-mates.

Reds midfielder Curtis Jones posted: "Speedy recovery bro."

Harvey Elliott, currently on loan at Championship side Blackburn Rovers, added: "All the best brother. Keep strong."

Glatzel posted: "Devastated for you mate, come back stronger."

Former Liverpool player Bobby Duncan - now at Derby County - said: "You will come back stronger, here if u need me."

And another Reds old boy, Neil Mellor, posted: "All the best with the recovery. You will be back scoring goals again."

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund starlet Jude Bellingham told Stewart: "Get well bro."

And Manchester City striker Liam Delap sent him two heart emojis.