Xherdan Shaqiri has withdrawn from Switzerland’s latest squad to focus on his Liverpool career.
Shaqiri, 27 was called up by his country for their forthcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers with the Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar but declined the opportunity.
He is yet to make a Premier League appearance for the Reds this season, having been an unused substitute in all of their opening three games.
But Jurgen Klopp has assured the former Bayern Munich forward that he remains an integral figure for the European champions despite a lack of game time.
He said: “Shaq is training well, that’s the situation.
“It’s the first four weeks of the season, that’s how it is. That’s probably the hardest period for players who are not [playing].
“In training, Shaq doesn’t have to improve in any way if he can keep the level he is doing at the moment.
“Of course he can improve like how everybody can improve, but it’s not about that – he doesn’t have to show anything special.
“We will need him, he knows that 100 per cent.”
Shaqiri enjoyed a starring role for Liverpool for large parts of the previous campaign, making 30 appearances in all competitions and recording six goals.