Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed his relief at the return of trio Nathaniel Clyne, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip from long-term injuries.

The Reds were without Clyne for most of the 17/18 season, with the England international only returning in April. Matip hasn’t been available to Klopp since the end of March, and Joe Gomez’s season was ended in May following an ankle injury.

The trio all missed Liverpool Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid, and Clyne and Gomez would have surely been in contention for a World Cup spot had they been fit.

Speaking to Liverpool FC’s website about the trio’s return from their respective injury setbacks, Klopp admitted having them back feels like three new signings.

“It always feels a little bit like they are like a transfer as well,” he said.

“Joe Gomez was out for a long time, but he was out in a very decisive period in the season after a very good season which he played, so it’s very good to have him back.

“It’s fantastic to have Joel Matip back, especially because Dejan is still at the World Cup and we wish him all the best for that – there’s no problem with having a final of England against Croatia! That’s the situation [and it’s] really cool.

“Clyney was already involved again in the last part of the season, but of course he’s as well like a new addition to the squad. The boys coming back from loan [too]. And now, it’s ‘let’s go’. It’s an intense time, but of course a very, very important time. You know how the season is, we don’t have a lot of time to do proper training in the physical department over the season, so we have to set the basis now.”

Liverpool have been quick to complete the signing of Brazil international Fabinho this summer in a £43m deal from AS Monaco, and have Guinea international Naby Keita joining up with the team after the Reds agreed a £48m fee with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig last summer.