Harvey Elliott faces criticism in Valencia over fitness issues

Reports have revealed that Harvey Elliott, the Liverpool player on loan at Valencia, is facing a fitness crisis after arriving at his new team without having undergone a full pre-season with Liverpool.

The English midfielder joined Valencia on loan at the end of the transfer window, but he has received limited minutes with the team so far, as he needs to work on regaining his fitness. According to the report, the Spanish club officials were surprised upon the player's arrival that he had not undergone a proper pre-season preparation and that his weight was above the ideal level for a football player.

Marca has reported that Elliott, aged 23, arrived at Valencia in less than optimal physical condition, a result of an unusual preparation period, as he was more focused on his future transfer between clubs than on preparing for the new season. This was evident during his limited appearances, as he was excluded from the match against Alavés after the game was deemed too physically demanding for his current condition.

The report suggests that Valencia hoped the loan would represent a chance to relaunch the player's career, but his physical condition has hindered him from getting a real opportunity so far, especially since the Spanish club bears the bulk of his high salary, making him one of the highest earners in the team.

Harvey Elliott is set to use the upcoming international break to work on regaining his fitness, as he has about three weeks to reach the required physical level and return to the plans of the coaching staff at Valencia. According to the report, this period seems to serve as a "second preparation period" for the player with his new team.