Nathaniel Clyne will return after the New Year after Liverpool confirm back surgery

Liverpool have confirmed Nathaniel Clyne underwent ‘minor’ back surgery and will sit out the remainder of the year.

Clyne has not played yet this season after picking up a back issue in pre-season.

The back problem has persisted and the England international recently suffered a setback in his injury comeback.

That set-back has led to the decision to go under the knife and Liverpool have revealed there was no complications with the surgery.

Liverpool have missed Clyne’s influence at the back with youngsters Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold filling in at right-back.

The Reds have not placed a time frame on Clyne’s return, only saying he would be back in action in the new year.

Clyne has been working back to full fitness since September and Liverpool believe he is primed to make a quick return.

The 26-year-old is now in a race against time to convince Gareth Southgate he deserves a spot in England’s World Cup squad.

Kyle Walker is Southgate’s first-choice right-back and Tottenham defender Kieran Trippier has been included in the team since Clyne’s injury.

Liverpool are dealing with a host of injuries to crucial first-team players with Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho, Dejan Lovren and Jordan Henderson all nursing issues.

The extent of Mane’s latest knock is yet to be assessed while Lallana, Coutinho and Henderson could return at the weekend.

Liverpool welcome Southampton to Anfield on Saturday hoping to put together three league wins in a row for the first time this season.

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