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Liverpool duo could benefit from Dejan Lovren’s World Cup heartbreak
Dejan Lovren may have had a dream World Cup until defeat in Sunday’s final, but things could go from bad to worse for him as news confirmed that he is likely to miss the start of the Premier League season.
Liverpool confirmed on their that Lovren, like goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, fellow defender Trent Alexander-Arnold and midfielder Jordan Henderson, will not join the team for pre-season training until 5th August.
That is only a week before the Premier League season kicks off with Liverpool facing West Ham at Anfield and it seems unlikely that any of the quartet will be fit enough to start in the fixture.
Coach Jurgen Klopp has already identified the issue and discussed the returns of two men in particular, both of whom missed the end of last season through injury, as potential replacements.
“It always feels a little bit like they are like a transfer as well. Joe Gomez was out for a long time, [and] he was out in a very decisive period in the season after a very good season which he played. It’s fantastic to have Joel Matip back, especially because Dejan is still at the World Cup.”
Joel Matip
A thigh injury disrupted the German’s season in the second half of 2017/18 and the former Schalke man was left with no choice but to watch on as Lovren and Virgil Van Dijk built up a formidable partnership which took the club to the Champions League final.
The Croatian’s absence could open the door back into the side for Matip, who will certainly have a point to prove if he is to revive his Liverpool career as a first team regular. His inconsistent form at times has left Anfield unconvinced, but fully fit and with regular game time throughout pre-season, he should be in peak conditions come the season opener in August.
Joe Gomez
Another player to suffer injury heartache and another who could come back into the team in place of either Lovren or Alexander-Arnold at right-back. Gomez is yet to make his return to the field, unlike Matip who played against Bury on Saturday, but would likely be first choice in either position ahead of Nathaniel Clyne or Ragnar Klavan if he prove his fitness before the kick-off.
Klopp is clearly an admirer of the youngster and this season could be a pivotal one in his development so reaching fitness as soon as possible will be his top priority. If he can achieve that, he could benefit more than anyone else by nailing down a spot in the team before Lovren, Alexander-Arnold and co. have caught up.