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Liverpool FC youngster Bobby Adekanye has been ruled out for the rest of the season with ankle ligament damage.

The exciting Academy attacker, who joined the Reds from Barcelona last summer, was hurt while away on international duty with Holland Under-17s.

Adekanye only returned to action for Liverpool Under-18s against Reading last month after a problem with his other ankle.

“Bobby will be out for a couple of months,” confirmed Liverpool Under-18s coach Neil Critchley.

“It happened in training with Holland and it’s a shame for Bobby because he had only just got himself back fit.

“Last time it was 10 to 12 weeks with ligament damage. We’re hoping he’ll be back fit for the start of pre-season.”

The Nigerian-born 17-year-old joined Liverpool from Barcelona last July after being caught up in a dispute between the Catalan giants and FIFA over the recruitment of youngsters to their highly-acclaimed La Masia Academy.

FIFA ruled that Adekanye was signed illegally from Ajax at the age of 12 in 2011 and he was banned from taking part in competitive games for Barcelona.

As a result last season he was sent out on loan to PSV Eindhoven, who had hoped to make the transfer permanent.

Barcelona wanted him to stay in Holland until the row had been resolved but Adekanye decided to leave and signed for Liverpool instead.

It’s been a frustrating first season with the Reds for Adekanye, who had to wait until November to make his league bow due to international clearance.