Liverpool’s World XI nominee out until late October…

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Dejan Lovren was yesterday shortlisted as one of the best defenders on the planet by FIFPRO, but the Croat won’t feature for Liverpool until the end of next month.

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The Standard claim that Lovren’s stomach muscle issues are not yet ready for him to train properly and that he’ll most likely be available again after the October international break.

That means Lovren will miss the games against Spurs, PSG, Southampton, Chelsea twice and Manchester City.

As a result, Joe Gomez will remain as Virgil van Dijk’s first-choice central defensive partner, with Joel Matip the backup option.

So far, the duo have been exceptional at the back, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson complementing them either side.

It would have been nice for Lovren to be available due to the fixture congestion, but centre-back isn’t an area that requires too much running – so providing they stay fit – we reckon Gomez and van Dijk can play most of these fixtures.

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