Klopp puts a brave face on Nathaniel Clyne injury news

Nathaniel Clyne has been ruled out of this month’s Champions League double-header with Porto.

The full-back has not kicked a ball all season after injuring his back in a friendly in July.

After returning to training, the England man then suffered another injury setback in November after undergoing a minor operation.

Klopp today publicly claimed the 26-year-old was “in a good way”, but the manner in which the Liverpool boss has had to wrap Adam Lallana in cotton wool since his return must surely be a worry.

“Clyney not in team training yet but in really good way. He’s close,” said Klopp.

“But after so long out it will take a while to be ready to play. He has no chance to play in next round v Porto.”

Lallana recently returned to action after missing the season to date through injury and the England man will again miss out after picking up a new problem on his return to first-team action.

“We probably won’t be seeing Adam Lallana against Spurs,” added Klopp.

“Adam trains today. In an ideal world he shouldn’t be involved at the weekend.

“He wasn’t out too long. It would be better for him to train for next 10 days before Southampton game.”

The Reds boss did praise skipper  Jordan Henderson after his return from injury last month.

“He’s a fantastic player. He didn’t prove that to me at Huddersfield, it was clear before.

“Hopefully he stays fit for the rest of the season – important for Liverpool and England,” added Klopp.

 

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