Liverpool lose Nathaniel Clyne for a further three months after back surgery
Liverpool defender Nathaniel Clyne faces a further three months on the sidelines after undergoing back surgery on Monday.
Clyne has not played at all this season due to a combination of problems, but mainly because of the persistent back soreness.
The England full-back will hope to return in the New Year and win back his place for his club and also make Gareth Southgate’s squad for the World Cup.
Clyne was Liverpool’s first choice right back last season but his troubles date back to pre-season. What at first seemed minor complaints are far more serious.
Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold have deputised in Clyne’s absence demonstrating their considerable potential.
Gomez’s form has been so good he made his senior England debut last Friday against Germany.
The loss of Clyne comes at a time when Jürgen Klopp has been welcoming more positive injury news. Adam Lallana has been stepping up his comeback, Philippe Coutinho is considered fit enough to join the Brazil squad and despite his early release by Senegal on Monday with what is described as a ‘slight’ recurrence of a hamstring problem, Liverpool hope Sadio Mané has picked up nothing serious.
Speaking last September, Klopp admitted there was no timeframe on Clyne’s return which is why the 26-year-old was left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad for the group stages.
“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. I am told it will be longer than just a couple of weeks, so we will continue to monitor and assess,” Klopp said on Sept 5.
“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 being out injured.”
