Nathaniel Clyne to miss start of Premier League season?

Liverpool defender Nathaniel Clyne could miss the start of the new Premier League season as he continues to struggle with injury.

The full-back has not featured during the Reds' pre-season schedule since playing in the second half of their opening friendly against Tranmere Rovers more than a fortnight ago.

A series of hamstring and back issues prevented him from playing in the club's victorious Premier League Asia Trophy campaign in Hong Kong, while he will also miss the Audi Cup in Munich next week.

Clyne's continued absence has seen him develop into a major doubt for the season opener against Watford at Vicarage Road on August 12, which could see either Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez or Jon Flanagan get the nod at right-back.

Alexander-Arnold is understood to be at the forefront of Jurgen Klopp's thinking at the moment, but the club are keen to give Clyne every available chance to recover in time.

The 26-year-old missed just one Premier League game for Liverpool throughout last season.