Martin Kelly Leaves England U-21 Duty With Groin Complaint, Returns to Liverpool for Assessment

The injury bug seems to have bit Martin Kelly again. The promising Liverpool defender is making a premature return home from England U-21 duty because of a groin complaint. The 21-year-old played 90 minutes for his country in its 3-0 win over Iceland Thursday and felt some tightness in his groin after the game, the Liverpool Echo reports.

He was sent back to Liverpool so club doctors and staff could assess and monitor his condition. He will not play for England in Monday's Euro 2013 qualifier at Norway. 

Kelly made his LFC debut in 2009, but it was last season that saw him established himself in the team. He showed great promise as a center back and fullback under managers Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish only for a torn hamstring he suffered in March to hamper his progress.

He has struggled to reach his top form this season because of recurring hamstring woes. 

It is unclear if this groin issue will keep him out of Liverpool's clash with Manchester United on Oct. 15. 

Photo courtesy of LiverpoolFC.tv