Premier League runners-up Liverpool have suffered a significant injury blow during their pre-season tour of the United States, right-back Nathaniel Clyne will be out of contention for around six months. Clyne suffered a cruciate ligament injury during the friendly match against Borussia Dortmund and has been sent back to the United Kingdom for treatment. The Liverpool manager feared an ever worse injury for his right-back.
Manager Jurgen Klopp said: "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. 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."
This is a big blow for Clyne as well because he was hoping to impress and persuare Liverpool to extend his contract, which runs out at the end of the season. Clyne joined Liverpool from Southampton in 2015 and was a the first-choice right-back at Anfield for the next couple of seasons, before a back injury during the 2017-2018 season allowed Trent Alexander-Arnold to grab that spot. Last season Clyne started the season as a backup and was sent out on loan at Bournemouth for the second part of the campaign. Liverpool will probably choose not to buy a replacement right-back at the moment as Alexander-Arnold remains first-choice, with Joe Gomez as a possible backup.
The Reds have signed just one new player this summer, 17-year-old defender Sepp van den Berg joined from Dutch side Zwolle. Liverpool are 13/5 at Bet365 to win the Premier League title next season.
Your feedback
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
Comments (1)
sharpe
07/30/19, 02:07:58 PM
Yeah, as Johnny wrote above this would be a big blow for Clyne who hasn't been a starter for Klopp in the last two seasons anyway. I wish him fast recovery but in...
Yeah, as Johnny wrote above this would be a big blow for Clyne who hasn't been a starter for Klopp in the last two seasons anyway. I wish him fast recovery but in all honesty you can't see him being offered a new contract by Liverpol after he'd have to miss more than half a season and then fighting for a spot in the team as well, probably they will let his contract run down.
Show more
