Liverpool right-back Nathaniel Clyne is set to stay on Merseyside for the international break, due to a long-standing knee injury.
Caretaker England manager Gareth Southgate is set to name his squad for the Three Lions’ World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia on Sunday night.
But according to the Express‘ Paul Joyce, the 46-year-old won’t be able to call upon Clyne.
Liverpool’s No. 2 has reportedly been “playing through the pain barrier” in recent weeks, and the club’s medical team have advised Southgate against selecting him for duty.
Clyne would therefore remain at Melwood to undergo treatment for the problem, though it seems unlikely this is a major issue for the defender, due to his ubiquity in Klopp’s first team.
The former Southampton man has played every minute of every game in all competitions so far this season, with his importance underlined by his consistency.
Furthermore, that he is able to continue work alongside Klopp during the international break is a boost, though it is unlikely he will be able to train due to injury.
Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana were both also forced to pull out of October’s internationals following Saturday’s 2-1 victory away to Swansea City.
With Loris Karius overlooked by Germany manager Joachim Low, Joel Matip continuing his self-imposed exile from the Cameroon squad and James Milner retired from England duty, this means Klopp has his entire first-choice defence with him throughout the 16-day break.
This may allow him to continue to implement his tactical outlook at the back, with the Reds’ most pressing issue coming in defending set pieces.
Swansea midfielder Leroy Fer scored an opportunistic opener at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday following Liverpool’s failure to deal with a corner, and Karius was reluctant to claim high balls throughout.
This is something Klopp will be required to work on both in terms of individuals and as a defensive unit.
Set to welcome Manchester United to Anfield for their first clash after the international break on October 17, this may prove pivotal.
Having Karius, Clyne, Lovren, Matip and Milner all at Melwood could hand him a major advantage.
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