Norwegian international John Arne Riise will not be called up for national service with his country as Liverpool have rectified an administrative error, allowing the 22-year-old to postpone his army call-up.
According to reports today, Riise was due to report for duty on January 8th after a letter from his mother and agent, Berit, asking for the compulsory national service to be postponed because he is employed in another country failed to reach the authorities on time.
However, Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has allayed fears that the Anfield side will be without the left-sided player for the next 12 months.
"It has been sorted," Houllier told the club's official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv.
"There was just an administrative error but the letter has now been sent and there's no problem. He won't be going anywhere."
Riise, a £4million buy from Monaco 18 months ago, was the only Liverpool player to appear in all 38 of their Premiership games last season and was immediately rewarded with a new five-year deal.
Riise's mother had told The Sun: "One year away from Liverpool could destroy his next 10 years.
"I think everyone is aware of the situation and I don't think the goal for the Norwegian military is to destroy people's lives.
"When he does eventually come home for good he will do his duty."
PA