Liverpool loanee Joao Teixeira breaks his leg during Brighton draw against Huddersfield

Liverpool have suffered a huge blow after Brighton & Hove Albion confirmed loanee Joao Teixeira broke his leg during the 0-0 draw against Huddersfield Town on 14 April.

Having joined the Reds' academy from Sporting Lisbon in February 2012 after excelling against Liverpool in the NextGen series, manager Brendan Rodgers handed him his first-team debut during the Premier League win at Fulham last season.

Following the club's summer overhaul after Luis Suarez's departure to Barcelona, the manager decided to send him on loan to Championship side Brighton to secure more playing time.

And even though he is only 22, he quickly became one of the leaders of the team, scoring five goals and providing three assists in 26 starting league appearances.

Speaking recently to the Guardian, the Portuguese star revealed his intention to return to Anfield next season as well as playing his part in the Under-21 European Championships this summer.

"I need to finish the season here and then I will go to Liverpool on 2 May. I will be there for two more weeks and train so I can keep fit for the Euros. I will also have time to speak to the manager about my future," he said.

"I came to Brighton to become more mature and get more experience and hopefully next year I will be playing for Liverpool. That is my dream."

But his intentions have suffered a huge blow after Brighton confirmed the Portuguese will remain on the sidelines the rest of the season following his injury, while he is also expected to miss the Under 21 Euro Championship with Portugal.

"Brighton & Hove Albion's on-loan Liverpool midfielder Joao Teixeira has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, after scans showed he suffered a broken leg in last night's game against Huddersfield Town," the club have confirmed.

Teixeira was taken off on a stretcher during the goalless draw at the Amex. An X-ray taken at Brighton's Royal Sussex County Hospital after the game showed a break to his leg just above the ankle."

Meanwhile, Brighton manager Chris Hughton said: "Our thoughts are with Joao - as this is a real blow to him after such a good season for the club - and we all wish him a speedy recovery and return to action.

"He's been an important player for the club this season, both before and after I came to the club, and I would like to thank him for his efforts during his time on loan here, and also Liverpool for allowing him to come."