Tuesday 14 November 2017 13:21, UK
Liverpool right-back Nathaniel Clyne could be out for up to three months after undergoing back surgery.
The former Southampton defender has not played since sustaining the injury in a pre-season match against Tranmere and now could be out until February.
He did resume light training in September, but the 26-year-old has since suffered a setback and has now undergone 'minor, corrective surgery' in a bid to rectify the problem.
The club has issued an update on its official website saying there were no complications with the operation and that Clyne will now begin a rehabilitation programme with the medical team.
It goes on to say he is in good condition due to the extensive treatment he has already undergone in the first part of the season.
Liverpool expect him to return to action in the new year though no specific time frame has been placed on when he will be available for selection again.
Speaking on November 3, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said: "He was in a good way and then had a little setback. That's how back problems are.
"We showed him to specialists all over the world and it is not a big problem, it just needs time, that is all."
Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been deployed at right-back by Klopp in his absence while Tottenham's Kieran Trippier has been favoured by Gareth Southgate in the England set-up.
Liverpool resume their Premier League campaign against Southampton at Anfield on Saturday, 12 points behind pace-setters Manchester City.