Nathaniel Phillips has returned to Stuttgart on loan for rest of the season

Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips has returned to 2.Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart on loan for the rest of the season. (h/t Liverpoolfc)

The centre-back had initially joined the German side on loan in the summer. He was recalled to provide defensive cover after both Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren were ruled out for prolonged spells.

Phillips started the FA Cup third-round match against Everton and was instrumental as a young Reds side shocked Everton, 1-0.

Phillips had made 11 appearances during his stay in Germany before returning to Liverpool. (h/t Daily Mail)

Joel Matip is back in training and Dejan Lovren close to a return. Phillips will be better suited in returning to Stuttgart.

The 22-year-old wasn’t a regular for Stuttgart in the first half of the season. He got more chances and had started 3 of the last 4 games before being ruled out with an injury just before the winter break.

The defender will try to build on his experience with Liverpool as he aims to become a regular for the German club.

Stuttgart are joint third in 2.Bundesliga, level on points with second-placed Hamburg and three behind leaders Arminia.

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Phillips’s outing against Everton was his competitive debut for the Reds, having been at the club since 2016.

Phillips was an unused member of the Liverpool squad that won our 6th European cup in Madrid. (h/t Daily Mail)