Clyne returns as Gomez faces up to a month out

Nathaniel Clyne has joined the Liverpool squad for the first time this season for today’s trip to Crystal Palace, but Jurgen Klopp is without Joe Gomez for up to a month.

Gomez suffered an ankle injury on duty with England. That makes Clyne’s return from back surgery well timed, although Trent Alexander-arnold remains the favoured option ahead of the game at Selhurst Park.

Clyne’s last appearance was during pre-season, July 12, against Tranmere Rovers and despite some under-23 appearances he will need to wait for his first start.

“Joe’s injury is serious enough to keep him out for a couple of games, but not out for the rest of the season. We hope he will be back training in three to four weeks,” said Klopp.

“But Clyney is fit and training, so that is good news. I have no fear of putting him in, no, but of course he does not have the rhythm. You can see in training that everything is there again.”

Meanwhile, Sam Allardyce does not believe his position as Everton manager is insecure as he seeks the major scalps that could shift perceptions of his period in charge.

“I have no problem with the security of my position and never have,” he said ahead of his side’s game with Manchester City.

“Only other people have created that insecurity. It is not an insecure position for me and never has been.”