Liverpool Dealt Fresh Injury Blow With Star Ruled Out Of Festive Fixtures

Liverpool have been dealt a fresh injury blow with the news that Dejan Lovren is set to miss the clubs festive fixtures after picking up a knee injury, according to the Telegraph.

Lovren was stretchered off during the second half of Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion on Sunday afternoon following a hefty challenge by Baggies midfielder Craig Gardner.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp initially hoped Lovren may be set for a swift return after telling reporters after the game that the centre-back wasn’t in too much pain, but there were still fears the defender could have suffered ligament damage.

The good news is that the Telegraph are reporting that following medical tests, the Croatian international has been told there are no signs of ligament damage meaning he isn’t set for months on the sidelines.

However, the newspaper still says the defender is expected to be out for at least three weeks meaning he’ll miss the crucial festive period which will see Liverpool travel to Watford on Sunday before they entertain league leaders Leicester on Boxing Day.

The 26-year-old is also highly unlikely to make the trip to Sunderland on December 30th but he could make his return to the squad when Liverpool travel to the capital to face West Ham on January 2nd.

Lovren has been in excellent form in recent weeks while he’s been deputising for Mamadou Sakho in defence so his absence will come as a new blow to boss Jurgen Klopp – who’s had to deal with a number of injury problems since his arrival in October.

However, there is some positive news for the German as Sakho is back in full training and is expected to be available for the trip to Watford this weekend, so the Frenchman should be able to resume his partnership alongside Martin Skrtel in the heart of defence.