Liverpool FC might have been able to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw with a late goal against West Bromwich Albion, but their defensive troubles are far from over, especially with centreback Dejan Lovern facing more time on the sidelines.
Lovren suffered a nasty injury on his knee during the match, as the Liverpool FC medical staff was seen frantically trying to patch up the gash that was oozing out blood. Lovern’s injury had in fact caused a long delay in the match, leading to the fourth official showing eight minutes of injury time.
The Croat was expected to stay on the sidelines for a long long time. However, fortunately for the Reds, he has not suffered any damage to muscle or ligament tissues and will not be out for as long as was initially expected, according to the Liverpool Echo.
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The Reds have been suffering injury issues in defence of late, with Mamadou Sakho suffering a knee injury earlier this season. While Lovren took his place, the latter has also been ruled out till early January now.
The only other option for Klopp is pairing firmer Arsenal FC defender Kolo Toure with Martin Skrtel. Emre Can can also play in the centrehalf role, but he is more effective as a midfielder.
Sakho on his path to recovery
While Lovren has been ruled out for the busy festive period, there is some good news for Klopp. Mamadou Sakho, who has been out with a knee injury is said to be nearing fitness, and could be back to full fitness within another week or so.
Klopp had been favouring the centreback partnership of Sakho and Skrtel before the former got injured and Lovren came in as the natural replacement.