London, Jun 26 (IANS): English Football League clubs, who are ravaged by injuries to players, have been given a shot in the arm following a rule change concerning expired loan deals.

This essentially means that some players who were loaned out earlier in the season will now be eligible to play for their parent outfit, said a BBC Sport report.

The report further said that rule only applies to players whose loan club's season has been curtailed.

A Birmingham statement said: "After a change in EFL rules, voted for by clubs, it means players loaned out on standard and international loans who have returned to their parent side are eligible for them again.

"Previously players were registered with their loan club for the duration of the loan, whether six months or 12 months."

Meanwhile, English Premier League side Liverpool have been confirmed as 2019/20 champions after Manchester City lost 1-2 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night, meaning they cannot mathematically be caught in the table.

It is Liverpool's 19th title and they've done so with seven games to spare in the campaign.

Revitalised under German Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool are now champions of England, Europe and the world, having already won the 2019 UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

The Anfield club enjoyed an impressive win themselves on Wednesday night in their first home game since the league's COVID-19-enforced hiatus, sweeping aside Crystal Palace 4-0.