Sports

Liverpools injury crisis deepens with key defender ruled out against Bournemouth

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Dejan Lovren could be available to face Napoli (Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Dejan Lovren will be unavailable for Liverpools game against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium after suffering a concussion in training.

The Croatian international suffered a clash of heads this week and will not be risked for the game, exacerbating Liverpools central defensive concerns.

Joe Gomez has been ruled out for six weeks after suffering a leg fracture during the midweek win over Burnley to leave Klopp with only two fit senior centre-backs.

Virgil Van Dijk and Joel Matip are certain to play against Bournemouth but Klopp revealed he hasnt given up hope of Lovren starting against Napoli on Tuesday.

When asked whether he would be able to face the Italian side, Klopp said: I hope so but I dont know yet. It depends on how it develops.

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The injuries have been mounting up for Klopp recently with both Andy Robertson and Sadio Mane missing the game at Turf Moor on Wednesday night.

Robertson is in line to return against Bournemouth, though, while Sadio Mane has surprisingly made the trip to the south coast after Klopp had appeared to rule him out of contention.

The next few days could prove pivotal to Liverpools season as a win against Bournemouth would see them move to the top of the Premier League with Manchester City to play Chelsea later in the day.

Then on Tuesday, Liverpool host Napoli in the Champions League requiring a win by two clear goals to progress to the last-16 of the competition.