'he's taken a few steps back'

Nathaniel Clyne suffers new injury setback for Liverpool as the England star sweats on his World Cup hopes

Crocked right-back who is yet to play this season puts return on hold as boss Jurgen Klopp admits Reds will be cautious

NATHANIEL CLYNE'S Liverpool return has been delayed again.

The England right-back might even be pondering on his World Cup chances for next summer after his latest problem with a back injury.

Anfield chief Jurgen Klopp admits the 26-year-old had taken "a few steps back" after returning to training.

Youngsters Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold have taken advantage of Clyne's season-long absence - both leapfrogging Jon Flanagan as his stand-in.

But fifth-placed Liverpool have let in 17 goals in 11 Premier League games this term.

And Klopp will be craving the type of solidity across his defence that a fully-fit Clyne offers down the right.

Asked if his former Southampton star was finally ready to return, Klopp said: "No. You cannot rush it.

"He was in a good way, running with high intensity, stuff like this. But the muscle showed a little reaction.

"That was not an injury, and usually with a healthy and fit player you wouldn’t even think about it.

"But in his case, because it was a little sign again from the back, we took him out and it’s a few steps back again."

Clyne will still expect to return within weeks - while another ex-Saint, England midfielder Adam Lallana, is in an even stronger position.

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Lallana, 29, has also yet to play this season as he battles with a thigh injury.

But he resumed full training this week and could return straight after next week's international break.

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