Liverpool defender set for late fitness test ahead of Napoli clash

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Liverpool are set to monitor Dejan Lovren’s fitness right up until Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Napoli.

The defender was absent for Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Burnley and Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of Bournemouth due to a concussion sustained the week before.

He is now expected to undergo a late test, with the Reds already short on senior centre-backs following the news that Joe Gomez will be sidelined for up to six weeks with a fractured leg.

It seems likely Joel Matip will retain his place in the starting lineup having impressed alongside Virgil van Dijk at the weekend.

Discussing Lovren in his pre-match press conference, Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com: “We will see how Dejan is doing.

“Yesterday he was out on the pitch and looked quite well. Can he be part of training today or not? We will see that. Squad-wise, [there is] no bad news at least.”

Dejan Lovren – image by Liverpoolfc.com

Sadio Mane could meanwhile return to the starting lineup having missed the visit to Burnley and started on the bench at the Vitality Stadium after requiring stitches on a cut foot he sustained in the win over Everton.

Adam Lallana also looks likely to be available after suffering a head injury against Bournemouth.

Another huge European occasion awaits at Anfield as the Reds work to various permutations in their bid to qualify for the last 16.

The Reds can book their place in the next stage of the competition with either a 1-0 win or a victory by two or more goals.

It remains to be seen whether Klopp’s selection is at all influenced by Sunday’s Premier League clash at home to Manchester United.

More Stories Dejan Lovren Joel Matip Jürgen Klopp Liverpool Napoli