Bobby Clark’s absence has been explained as the Liverpool youngster awaits his return from injury

Bobby Clark continues his recovery from a back injury, having so far been frustrated in his attempts to impress new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot. Clark, who became a regular last season and played in the League Cup final against Chelsea in February, has not played since an under-21 Premier League 2 exit against Arsenal in April.

The 19-year-old is yet to resume full first-team training since Slott’s arrival and was not involved in Friday’s closed-door friendly defeat against Championship side Preston North End.

Clark instead worked on an individual rehabilitation plan and was a regular at the AXA Training Center during the off-season. He is unlikely to be part of the team that flies to the United States on Tuesday.

The midfielder signed a new long-term contract in December after missing the first four months of the campaign through injury after impressing in pre-season.

On his return to fitness, Clark made 12 senior appearances for the Reds, including a first Premier League start in the win over Nottingham Forest in March and a European debut at Sparta Prague, before scoring his first senior goal in the return.