Cameron Brannagan injured, affecting his chances of a loan

Liverpool academy midfielder Cameron Brannagan has been pictured with his foot in a protective boot, revealing a recent ankle injury.

The 20-year-old took to Instagram on Thursday afternoon to provide his followers with an update on his fitness.

“Hopefully I’ll be back on the mend soon,” he said, having suffered an ankle ligament injury.

Brannagan is wearing a similar protective boot to that which Philippe Coutinho was required to wear after picking up an ankle problem in November’s 2-0 victory at home to Sunderland.

Coutinho has been sidelined for the past month, and will remain out for Liverpool’s next two games against Manchester City and Sunderland.

Facing an ankle issue of his own, Brannagan is expected to be out for a similar period and this would cast doubt over a potential loan move away from Liverpool.

The midfielder has been turning out for the Liverpool U23s throughout the season so far, but was expected to leave on a temporary basis in 2017.

Bolton Wanderers were reported to be interested in taking Brannagan to the Macron Stadium, where he would join an ex-Red in Jay Spearing.

However, it is unlikely the League One side would move for Brannagan if he is injured, with his wavering fitness a major gamble for the rest of the campaign.

This would be a considerable setback for Brannagan, who has seemingly fallen out of favour under Jurgen Klopp this season.

Despite making nine appearances for the first team in 2015/16, signing a new long-term contract shortly after Klopp’s arrival, his demotion to the U23s underlines his position.

Klopp has turned to Ovie Ejaria in his stead, while Harry Wilson has taken the armband as captain of the U23s.

At 20, Brannagan is at a crucial stage in his fledgling career, but this injury will not aid his prospects if he is looking to establish himself under Klopp in the future.