Dejan Lovren limped out of Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Salzburg last week and later it was reported that the defender had picked up a muscle injury.
The injury meant the centre-back did not play any part during Liverpool’s Premier League win against Watford on Saturday and now it looks like he’s officially entered the injury books of the club.
The manager had updated after the Salzburg game: “He is out, muscle this time – more serious than last time. We don’t have a timeframe.”
And now as the Anfield outfit have announced their Club World Cup squad, Dejan Lovren is not a part of the contingent meaning he will could out for a long period of time.
The official statement revealed: “Liverpool have confirmed a 20-man travelling squad for the FIFA Club World Cup.
“The Reds fly to Qatar today before entering the tournament at the semi-final stage on Wednesday, with Monterrey their opponents in Doha.
“Dejan Lovren is not included after sustaining a muscle injury against Salzburg earlier this week, but Georginio Wijnaldum does travel following his withdrawal in the second half of the win over Watford.”
The injury to Dejan Lovren is a really big blow to Liverpool since Joel Matip is already on the sidelines recovering from a knee injury.
This means that right now young Joe Gomez is the only fit centre-back available for selection alongside Virgil Van Dijk and with games coming thick and fast for Liverpool, things could get pretty ugly for Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool play in the Club World Cup in midweek and then on Boxing Day, they have an all-important game against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. And by the looks of it, the pairing of Gomez and Van Dijk will have to start in each one of these games.
