Liverpool news: Jürgen Klopp confirms Xherdan Shaqiri injury could keep him out for ‘a while’

Liverpool have provided further news on the extent of Shaqiri's injury.

Liverpool have confirmed that Xherdan Shaqiri is set for a spell on the sidelines after the winger picked up a calf injury while on international duty with Switzerland.

Manager Jürgen Klopp suggested Shaqiri will be absent for a prolonged period, but did not give an estimate as to when he will return.

The 27-year-old returned to Melwood on Monday morning for pre-season training and his injury was assessed by Liverpool’s medical team.

“Shaq is still injured from the national team and it will take a while until he is in again,” Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com.

“He has a tear in his calf, so he will not be involved for a while.”

Shaqiri has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter for Liverpool since his £13m move from Stoke last summer.

But he has insisted that he intends to stay at the club and prove his worth.

Xherdan Shaqiri was injured while playing for Switzerland (EPA)

“I'm at Liverpool, the best club in Europe,” he said in a recent interview with Goal. “The manager has many good options and has to decide who can play. I knew before my transfer that the competition here is very tough.

“I have a long-term contract and I definitely will stay.”

Klopp will hope that Shaqiri’s injury is not as severe as it appears, given Liverpool’s current dearth of attacking options beyond Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané.

The attacking trio are currently on holiday, so both Divock Origi and Rhian Brewster will be given an opportunity to impress during the upcoming pre-season tour of the USA.