AMSTERDAM – Young Liverpool midfielder Marc Pelosi (above, right) has started the long road to recovery after successful surgery on his broken right leg Monday, a injury received in a nightmare tackle near the end of Sunday's Under-21 Premier League win over West Bromwich Albion.

The 18-year-old, who had recently been added to the Reds' registered Europa League roster, suffered a clean break of his fibula and tibia due to a reckless stoppage-time challenge by Baggies prospect Liam O'Neil. Though Liverpool did not offer an expected return target, such injuries generally require about six months for recovery.

"Marc had his operation last night on his broken leg," a Liverpool press spokesman told MLSsoccer.com. "The surgeon is delighted with the operation. We all wish Marc a speedy recovery."

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Pelosi has yet to dress for the senior side in competitive play, but notched three goals and an assist in 11 U-21 games this term, mostly alternating between the left wing position and central midfield.

The Bay Area native was not released to the US U-20 squad for the ongoing CONCACAF Championship – which doubles as World Cup qualifying for that age group – because he was thought to be nearing a first team debut.