Liverpool defender Nathaniel Clyne has suffered a cruciate ligament injury ruling him out for six months.

Clyne has left the club’s summer tour of the United States and flown back to the UK for an operation after receiving the diagnosis.

The 28-year-old was hurt in Liverpool’s first tour match against Borussia Dortmund in South Bend, but the extent of the damage was not realised until days later. Clyne was with the squad in Boston where the reduced swelling exposed the serious damage.

As the rest of the Liverpool touring party arrived in New York on Monday evening, Clyne was returning to Merseyside.

Despite the anticipated lengthy absence, Liverpool are optimistic Clyne will play again this season although it is particularly inopportune time for the right-back to be absent.

He has one year remaining on his contract and Liverpool were in talks with several clubs about a possible transfer. Crystal Palace were eager to re-sign the player, who started his career at Selhurst Park.