Liverpool have seen 20-year-old midfielder Matteo Ritaccio return after an unsuccessful stint at Charleston Battery, calling off his loan earlier.

In February, it was seen as a welcome opportunity for Ritaccio as he returned to the United States for a season with USL Championship side Charleston Battery.

After an injured first half of the campaign at Liverpool which saw him only play four games for the Under-23s, the midfielder admitted it was “great to be back” in his native country.

But his time in South Carolina didn’t go as planned, with a series of injury issues that sidelined him throughout a five-month stint.

It has now been confirmed that, as part of a mid-season deal, Ritaccio has been recalled by Liverpool by mutual decision of the two clubs.

The versatile midfielder, who arrived from New York side Blau Weiss Gottschee in 2018, signed a new contract with the club last summer but has rarely been a regular at academy level.

In an Instagram post following the termination of his contract with Charleston Battery, Ritaccio spoke of “some of the toughest times” he had as a player:

“Thank you Charleston Battery for giving me the opportunity to join the club on loan,” he wrote.

“I’m sorry it didn’t turn out the way no one wanted it to, but sometimes things just aren’t meant to be in this world.

“The last few months have been some of the toughest times I’ve been through as an injured player, but I know I’m going to get through this.

“I wish the club and everyone involved with the club the best of luck for the future.”

Ritaccio has been reinstated in the Reds squad and will continue his rehabilitation at the AXA Training Center with a view to either joining the Under-21s this season or returning on loan.