Ben Woodburn returns to Liverpool after his loan spell with Blackpool comes to an end

The 21-year-old started just three league games for the Seasiders and made 11 appearances in all competitions.

The attacking midfielder has struggled for game time in recent weeks, although he did come off the bench during Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Hull City and was fouled by Reece Burke that led to the defender being shown a straight red card.

But the Seasiders have now opted against extending Woodburn’s loan until the end of the campaign and he has returned to Merseyside.

It’s been a frustrating spell for the Welshman, who tested positive for coronavirus at the end of October.

Woodburn was also dogged by serious knee injuries during his season-long loan spell with Oxford United last year.

His departure leaves Blackpool short in the attacking third of the pitch, with fellow loanee Dan Kemp being recalled by his parent club West Ham United last week to allow him to move to League Two side Leyton Orient on a permanent deal.

The 22-year-old made his debut off the bench during Orient’s 2-0 win against Morecambe on Saturday.

Elsewhere, both Keshi Anderson and CJ Hamilton are injured, while Bez Lubala was brought off on Saturday with a slight knock.

Demetri Mitchell, a left-back who is also capable of playing further up the pitch, was left out against Hull at the weekend as a precaution.

Jamie Devitt, meanwhile, has also completed his loan spell with League Two side Newport County.

The 30-year-old, who has yet to make a competitive appearance for the Seasiders, is likely to head out on loan again.

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