Football fans across the world were devastated when Liverpool youngster Harvey Elliott suffered a fracture dislocation of his left ankle against Leeds in September.
The 18-year-old's injury looked serious from the outset, with many fearing his Premier League season would be over as he was given oxygen while being taken off on a stretcher.
"I saw the situation," said a distraught Jurgen Klopp immediately after the Elland Road game. "I could see his foot was not in the right place. That is why we were all shocked."
The German went on to say: "Massive pain, shock for him, for us and we don't know more. We have to wait. I cannot feel the game anymore. Harvey overshadows everything."
Less than five months since the horrific incident, though, Elliott is set to make his Anfield comeback against Cardiff in the FA Cup on Sunday. Here is the story of his recovery.
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The response
Despite suffering a horrendous injury, Elliott was positive from the outset.
"I'm of course absolutely devastated with what happened yesterday at Leeds, but have been totally overwhelmed by the love and support shown to me by the entire football world following the injury," wrote the talent on Instagram.
"Thank you so much to everyone who has reached out or sent messages to me and my family, it means so much to us. Also a massive thanks to everyone inside Elland Road for the reception you gave me immediately after it happened.
"I am now fully focused on my recovery and will give everything in my rehabilitation to be back out there as soon as I can."
The timing of the injury was cruel, as Elliott had just broken into Klopp's team following an impressive season-long loan at Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers.
The injury was the result of a challenge from Pascal Struijk, who was distraught and apologetic. Elliott didn't hold a grudge against the defender, writing him a classy message.
"Wasn't his fault what so ever," wrote the teenager. "Neither was it a red card just a freak accident but these things happen in football. I'll be back stronger 100 per cent.
"Thanks for all the support."
Elliott underwent surgery two days later, yet Liverpool were reluctant to put a timeframe on his recovery.
"The operation was a success so his comeback starts now," said club doctor Jim Moxon.
"We won't put pressure on him by setting a specific timeframe beyond being able to say with confidence we expect him to feature again later in the season following our rehab programme."
Back on the pitch
Within a month of suffering the injury, Elliott was pictured using an exercise bike at Liverpool's training ground.
It was a remarkable turnaround, leaving Reds fans confident on a speedy recovery. They weren't getting carried away, though, as the player was still using crutches.
"Step by step, day by day," wrote Elliott on Instagram.
Days later, James Milner praised the youngster for having a positive outlook on the injury. "He's been so positive from the start, to be honest," said the veteran.
"I was talking about mental strength before, as soon as it happened, the things he was saying, he talks like he's been through it all before and he's a 30-odd-year-old player.
"He's incredible. He's got a great mindset, he's done all his work, he's progressing really well. Not too far off getting rid of the crutches, I think, which is fantastic.
"You just need to keep that phone out of his hands, so I think it's good when he's on his crutches because he can't be on Instagram and Twitter and all that!"
The following month, Elliott was seen running on the pitch and doing ball work at Liverpool's AXA Training Centre. He was getting closer to a return with each passing day.
The comeback
On January 19, Liverpool revealed Elliott was back in full training.
It was the news everyone was waiting to hear, although Klopp was still reluctant to put a timeframe on the youngster's first appearance since the injury.
"He has a foot injury and there are rusty mornings when you get up and it does feel rusty," said Klopp. "But he is running outside now with full body weight on it, that is a good sign.
"When he will be back I have no idea. From a mental point of view, Harvey is rather an old soul, I would say he is very mature for a young age. He is completely fine with the situation, he has accepted it, he deals with it.
"Everybody around tries to help him. I think I must try and cheer him up some days, but it is rarely needed because he has a brilliant family at home and is a rather positive fella.
"And yes we all hope from a physical point of view a young age helps him to recover quickly but quickly is not so important. Fully is the main thing.
"At the moment, and I hope I don't eat my words, but I cannot see a scenario where we would think about rushing him back."
The second leg of their EFL Cup tie against Arsenal was a game too early - as was the Premier League clash with Crystal Palace - but the Cardiff game was a realistic target.
Liverpool arranged to a behind-closed-doors friendly to see if Elliott was ready. He empathetically provided the answer with a goal and an assist.
With that friendly in mind, Klopp confirmed he will be included in the squad to face Cardiff.
"He is in a good place and is in full team training now, but we have to see what is right for him – is it right to start [or] is it right to come on?" asked the German.
Regardless of that answer, one thing is for sure - the teenager will receive a phenomenal response from the Kop when he graces the turf.
After 147 gruelling days, Elliott's injury nightmare will end on Sunday afternoon. His re-emergence will feel like a new signing for Klopp and a new hero for Anfield to adore.
