Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed Nathaniel Clyne is set for a significant spell on the sidelines as he continues to recover from a back injury.
Clyne hasn’t featured for Liverpool since their first game of pre-season at the start of July and was surprisingly left out of the club’s 25-man squad for the Champions League group stages on Monday.
The England international was always due to miss the start of the season but his injury was not thought to be as serious as it has since turned out, while Klopp isn’t expecting the 26-year-old back for some time.
“Nathaniel is working hard on his rehab and we have kept a close eye on his progress, but the reality is we are looking at some time still before he is back and available for selection,” Klopp told the club’s official website.
"I am told it will be longer than just a couple of weeks, so we will continue to monitor and assess.
“It is pretty certain he’ll not be available for the majority of the Champions League group matches. If we are fortunate enough to still be in UEFA competition in the New Year he could be added to the squad then.
“The medical guys are pleased with how he is responding and Nathaniel has shown a really strong attitude, given he is not someone who is used to be out injured.
“What is positive for us is how Joe [Gomez] and Trent [Alexander-Arnold] have stepped up and grasped their opportunities.”
The aforementioned duo have been rotating at right-back throughout Liverpool’s opening matches and both have flourished in Clyne’s absence.
Since moving to Anfield from Southampton in 2015, only James Milner (166) has made more tackles in the league for Liverpool than Clyne (164).
