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Jurgen Klopp defends Dejan Lovren and backs Liverpool defender to bounce back from Tottenham horror show

Klopp substituted the Croatia international off after 31 minutes of Liverpool’s 4-1 defeat to Spurs last Sunday

Timothy Abraham
Friday 27 October 2017 14:30 BST
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Dejan Lovren was substituted after just half an hour against Tottenham last weekend
Dejan Lovren was substituted after just half an hour against Tottenham last weekend

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp claimed centre-back Dejan Lovren has responded positively in training to his nightmare display against Tottenham.

Klopp substituted the Croatia international off after 31 minutes of Liverpool’s 4-1 defeat to Spurs last Sunday.

But the German insisted Lovren has kept his spirits up at Melwood since his shocking performance.

“Everything is ok. He's had good week,” Klopp said. “When I think about Dejan there are a lot more positive things than negatives ones.

“We had a little chat after the games at the weekend, and then on Monday again a little bit, but then it was clear from both of us it would not be more – I didn't ask him how he will line up, and he didn't ask me!

“I didn't ask him whether he will play like against Manchester United or West Ham or whatever.”

Klopp also confirmed Philippe Coutinho is a major injury doubt for his side’s clash against Huddersfield on Saturday.

The Brazilian has an abductor problem which looks likely to keep him out of the fixture with the Terriers at Anfield.

Coutinho is facing a race to be fit in time for Liverpool’s Champions League match with Maribor next week and their league trip to West Ham United next weekend.

Lovren endured a difficult game at Wembley

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp said: “It’s not clear in the moment. Last week he had some back problems before the Tottenham game, but then during the week it settled with treatment and all that stuff, so he was fit for the game.

“This week he had a little bit of problem with the adductor. It’s not clear so far if he is out for tomorrow. We will make the decision today after training. He didn’t train yesterday, that’s true, but that’s all for the moment. There are no other new injury problems.”

Klopp delivered positive updates on midfielder Adam Lallana and winger Sadio Mane with both players set to return from injury in mid-November.

Lallana has been out with a thigh problem while Mane has been on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.

“After international break Lallana and Mane should be back,” added Klopp. “Hopefully they can be part of normal training in that break.”

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