Jurgen Klopp admits he is ‘gutted’ by Nathaniel Clyne’s latest injury setback.
Clyne will spend at least six months on the sidelines after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament during Liverpool’s pre-season friendly with Borussia Dortmund.
The defender picked up the injury during last Friday’s game in South Bend and has returned to Merseyside to undergo treatment at the start of his lay-off.
Liverpool had been in talks with several clubs over a deal for Clyne, who has 12 months remaining on his existing deal, including former side Crystal Palace.
But any hopes that the ex-England international will be departing Anfield this summer have effectively been killed off by news of last week’s setback.
Clyne, 28, spent the second half of last season on loan with Bournemouth after losing his role as first-choice right-back for the Reds to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
“What can I say other than how gutted we all are for Clyney? He was training and playing so well – he was in outstanding shape,” said Jurgen Klopp.
“Clearly an injury of this nature isn’t a happy moment for any player, but the silver lining for him is that, according to the medical guys, it’s a straightforward ACL injury.
“This means fixing it and coming back from it should follow a path that is free from pitfalls and complications.
“At the moment there isn’t much more to say beyond we’ll all support Clyney in whatever way we can and we look forward to seeing him back on the pitch as soon as responsibly possible.
“He is such a sound professional and is naturally very fit and strong, so all these things are in his favour.”