"Obviously this is a setback to us as Jonjo has done ever so well in his short time with us," Blackpool manager Ian Holloway said. "We knew that Liverpool had the recall option on him and it was only the unfortunate injury to Lucas that has prompted them to take this course of action.
"I would like to thank Jonjo for his efforts with us and Kenny for allowing him to come to us. We will be in regular contact with Liverpool about trying to bring him back in January should Liverpool's injuries clear up."
Shelvey joined Blackpool on loan in early october to gain game experience and fitness. His loan deal was to keep him at the Championship club through the end of 2011, but it includes a clause that allows Liverpool to recall the player if necessary (it is common in the loan system).
Shelvey became an instant starter at Blackpool and a hit with supporters. He scored with a long-range strike in his debut and followed it up with a hat-trick against Leeds ion Nov. 2. He registered six goals and three assists in 10 starts for Holloway's team. He's also made three appearances England's U-21 national team.
Shelvey joined the Reds in 2010 after two impressive seasons with with Charlton Athletic. He has 22 appearances (including 15 in last season's English Premier League campaign) to his credit and looks certain to add to that total in the coming weeks and months.
Liverpool faces a gaping hole in the midfield after Lucas injured his knee in Tuesday's Carling Cup victory over Chelsea. The holding midfielder was the club's player of the season in 2010-11 and its most consistent performer this term. He underwent a scan Wednesday and the results are currently unknown but unconfirmed reports put him out of action for the next six months.
Photo via Flickr/johnrobjones
