Brate Watch: Lovren Out for Brighton Match

The Croatian defender remains sidelined with an injury sustained during this summer’s World Cup.

Croatian defender and Liverpool’s number 2 center-back going into this season, Dejan Lovren, has missed the first two matches of the young Premier League season. Both were comfortable wins seen out by class on the front end and grit in the back, giving fans a sense of ease during this time. But many have been wondering when Jurgen Klopp might get to trot out his preferred pairing in the heart of defense. Unfortunately, it appears to be a little while yet.

During his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool FC’s tilt against Brighton and Hove Albion, Klopp indicated that Lovren was still a few weeks away, tipping the run of matches following the international break as when to expect the return of the #BestBrate.

“Dejan is coming closer but he is not really around team training in the moment. I’m not 100 per cent sure what he is doing today because we are the day before the game, so he will not be involved in that [Brighton] game.

“I’m pretty sure no chance for the Leicester game and then hopefully after the international break he will be ready to go. That would be nice.”

Fans like myself may have held out hope for a reintroduction to the team sooner than this when Lovren’s injury had initially seemed to be a minor niggle. But it is, at least, relieving to finally have a time table for his return. So, while it’s not ideal Red’s fans can at least point to a date on the calendar to look for the return of all-action defending and hilarious Instagram stories with Mohamed Salah. Not much longer now.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com