Dejan Lovren returns to Liverpool training to ease Jurgen Klopp’s defensive concerns ahead of Premier League opener against West Ham
- Dejan Lovren has returned to Liverpool training after his summer holiday
- The Croatian defender’s return is a timely boost for Reds manager Jurgen Klopp
- Injuries have left Klopp short of options for Tuesday’s friendly against Torino
- Liverpool face West Ham in their first Premier League game on Sunday
Dejan Lovren returned to training on Monday to hand manager Jurgen Klopp a boost ahead of the Premier League opener against West Ham on Sunday.
Injuries to Klavan and Matip had left Klopp with only two fit central defenders for the game against Napoli over the weekend, but Lovren’s return to the fold gives the German an additional option for Sunday’s match.
The Croatian was pictured doing fitness work at the club’s Melwood training base on his first day back from holiday after the World Cup.
Dejan Lovren (pictured) was back in Liverpool training on Monday after a summer break

The defender played a key role for Croatia this summer as they reached the World Cup final

He could be seen doing squats and stretches in the gym at Melwood as part of his return
In a video on Liverpool’s social media channels, the centre-back could be seen doing squats and stretches in the gym as he began his pre-season fitness work.
The 29-year-old could come into contention for Liverpool’s final pre-season fixture against Torino on Tuesday, with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez the only senior centre-backs currently fit and available.
Earlier on Monday, Klopp had admitted concerns over his defensive options as Matip (hip) and Klavan (hamstring) both remain doubtful for the matches against Torino and West Ham.
‘Joel, we’ll have to see. Klavan, shouldn’t be too serious, but if Tuesday is too early I don’t know yet,’ Klopp told the Liverpool Echo.
‘Maybe we will do some magic things with the formation on Tuesday. I don’t know how we will do it.’

Lovren could make his return to action in the pre-season friendly against Torino on Tuesday

The 29-year-old did fitness work during a video posted on Liverpool’s social media channels
Liverpool, who have been tipped by many to mount a title challenge this season, have splashed the cash this summer in an attempt to close the gap on champions Manchester City.
Brazil international Alisson arrived from Roma in a world record deal for a goalkeeper, while Naby Keita, Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri have also joined during the close season.
After Sunday’s clash with fellow big spenders West Ham, Klopp’s side then face Crystal Palace in London on August 20 and Brighton at Anfield five days later.
Advertisement