Clyne worry for Liverpool boss Klopp; Sturridge snub

Nathaniel Clyne has had a setback in his comeback from injury, Jurgen Klopp confirmed on Friday.

The former Southampton full-back has been out all season after picking up a back problem in the Reds’ friendly clash with Tranmere Rovers in July.

“It’s not that good. He was on a good way, then a little setback. We are on it, that’s how back problems are,” said Klopp.

“The back is a really weak part of your body. We have to make him 100 percent ready. It’s not the best thing, especially not for him.

“We showed him to specialists all over the world. It’s not a big problem, it just needs time. That’s all.”

Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been playing at full-back in place of Clyne with Gomez yesterday rewarded for his good form with a call-up to the England squad.

And Klopp reckons three of his players could have all been in Gareth Southgate’s party.

It is Gomez’s first senior call-up, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Daniel Sturridge were both omitted.

“If Gareth Southgate had seen our last three games he could have invited all three of them (Gomez, Sturridge and Oxlade-Chamberlain),” added Klopp.

“Daniel had injury problems but they always called him up before, If he doesn’t think he needs him I can’t change that.”

Sturridge, who has been plagued by inury problems, remains fit and is set to play some part at West Ham on Saturday.

“He’s available and in good shape. No fitness doubts. I always think about him,” added Klopp, who is expecting a tough examination in the capital, despite West Ham’s poor start.

“They were really good against Tottenham. We respect them a lot. They will be highly motivated.

“If you want to be really successful you can’t fly to other cities and leave the points there,” said Klopp.