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Liverpool’s World Cup-winning striker Rhian Brewster is set to miss the rest of the season.

The 17-year-old forward damaged ankle ligaments when he landed awkwardly after jumping for a header against Manchester City two weeks ago.

Brewster is seeing another specialist today to determined whether it will be necessary to repair the damage in the high ankle area through surgery.

But whatever the determination on treatment there is a recognition that he will miss months rather than weeks, with Liverpool determined not to rush him back once he is able to train once again.

Brewster’s manager, U23s coach Neil Critchley, said: “He’s seeing another specialist again today, so we should probably know by the end of play today or tomorrow.

“He’s been at home (in London) for a few days resting because there’s not a lot we can do at the moment. But I’m expecting news on that in the next 24 hours.

“He’s going to be out for a significant period of time whatever happens. We’re just waiting on the specialist to say: ‘Yeah, we think it’s better to have surgery or no he doesn’t (need it)’.”

On the length of his expected absence, Critchley added: “We’re looking at months, yeah. I think it’s a similar-type injury to what Ovie (Ejaria) had last season when he was out for a few months. It’s going to be months rather weeks, I would have thought.

“I wouldn’t want to say it’s ‘season over’, but you’re talking months, you’re talking at least two months, so there’s the end of March. We finish at the end of April, early May. So it’s not going to give him any real time. I don’t think we should rush him back either.

(Image: Buda Mendes - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

“What’s more important now for Rhian is we do the right thing by him and he comes back in a fit, stable condition and hopefully stronger than when he was playing for us.”

While Brewster’s injury will be a devastating blow for the youngster as he seeks to build on that World Cup victory with England U17s - where he earned the Golden Boot with eight goals - Liverpool are trying to find some positives in the situation.

That World Cup involvement last October means it has been a busy season for the striker and it is hoped the enforced rest could do his body good in the longer term.

“That’s one benefit of younger players sometimes being injured,” said Critchley. “They actually get time to develop their body away from training everyday.

(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

“They can concentrate on gym programmes etc, so they can come back stronger and fitter. That’s what we’re going to concentrate on with Rhian in the next few months.

“You don’t want it to happen - no one wants that to happen. You don’t want to see a boy stretchered off the pitch in great pain. It’s not nice to see.

“But (he’s) a determined boy, a determined character - he’ll be more determined to come back ready for next season - if it is next season - in tip-top condition. He had a real rollercoaster of a 2017.

“2018 hasn’t started brilliantly for him, but we’re only a few weeks into it. I’m sure there’s plenty more good things to come from him for the rest of year.

(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Steven Gerrard has already suggested Brewster’s strong mentality will see him through his period of injury and it’s an opinion Critchley shares.

“He was obviously down for the first few days. I think he’s got his Mum looking after him, running around silly for him.

“He’s got an intrinsic drive that he keeps well hidden. You don’t often see that. He comes across as a quite happy, playful, but things do get to him and he’s a very determined boy as well. He has a real good work ethic and that comes from his parents.

“We drive that into him all the time, so he knows he doesn’t get any half a yard with us or anything. We’ll be on him. I’ve spoke about him on numerous occasions, he’s a top boy and we’re looking forward to, hopefully, him coming back in the near future.”

Toni Gomes, back from loan at Forest Green Rovers, and Liam Millar - stepping up from the U18s - are likely to get the chance to help replace Brewster as the U23s’ striker, starting this Sunday against Derby at Prenton Park.