Another Liverpool loanee tipped for early recall – youngster no longer in training

Liverpool youngster Billy Koumetio could be set for an early end to his loan spell in France, according to a report.

The 21-year-old defender joined USL Dunkerque on a season-long switch last summer, but his appearances for the Ligue 2 side have been sparse.

The former Lyon youth star, who joined Liverpool in 2018, has made just eight league outings for Dunkerque so far in 2023/24, with his loan club 19th out of 21 in the French second-tier.

According to La Voix Du Nord (via Sport Witness), Koumetio is no longer taking part in training, while there is speculation over whether the young centre back is set for an imminent return to Liverpool.

With Koumetio's stay in northern France supposed to last until the summer, there is no explanation for why he is not training or why his deal might be cut short.

The 6ft 5in defender spent part of last season on loan at Austria Wien but was recalled from that move in January amid concerns regarding a lack of playing time.

A former France youth international, Koumetio has made two Liverpool first-team appearances to date, debuting in the Champions League against Midtjylland in December 2020.

Jurgen Klopp has previously spoken highly of the defender, once saying of the physically imposing youngster: "Billy the kid! He doesn’t look like a kid. In my opinion, his face looks like a kid but then all the rest is like ‘Wow!"

Koumetio – whose Anfield contract runs until 2025 – would not be the only player to return to Liverpool prematurely from a loan spell this season.

Owen Beck was recalled early from his season-long stint with Dundee, in order to provide left-back cover amid the injury crisis.

Elsewhere this month, Rhys Williams and Fabio Carvalho were also brought back from spells at Aberdeen and RB Leipzig respectively, though the latter has been sent out again to Hull City.

Calvin Ramsay could yet be another to have his loan terminated, with his time at Preston North End beset by fitness issues.